Epidermoid cyst of the fourth ventricle - Case report
Journal
Journal of Taiwan Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Journal Volume
34
Journal Issue
3
Date Issued
1999-01-01
Author(s)
Abstract
Intracranial epidermoid cyst is unusual. It represents only 1% of intracranial tumors. An epidemoid cyst located in the fourth ventricle is exceedingly rare. It often causes cerebellar ataxia. We reported a 37 year- old woman presented to us with postural headache and persistent vertigo for 2 years. Neurological examination revealed normal cerebellar function; however, bilateral gaze nystagmus was noted in the neurotological testing. Magnetic resonance imaging disclosed a huge space-occupying lesion in the fourth ventricle, which was pathologically proved to be an epidermoid cyst after surgery. The tumor was excised totally via median suboccipital craniotomy. The postoperative course was smooth except left abducens nerve palsy and mild ataxia. From the clinical experience with this case, we suggest that a fourth ventricle lesion should also be suspected if a patient has persistent vertigo and postural headache, even without ataxia.
Subjects
Ataxia | Epidermoid cyst | Fourth ventricle | Intracranial tumor
Type
journal article