Recurrence of ruptured intracranial epidermoid cyst – A rare case report and presentation

INTRODUCTION: Intracranial epidermoid cysts are congenital tumors that develop from ectodermal remnants during neuroembryogenesis between the third and fifth weeks of gestation. These tumors are benign and usually present with local mass effect. Here, we present a rare case of ruptured intracranial epidermoid cyst with recurrence. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 55 years old male patient was brought to emergency with a history of headache and loss of consciousness for 1 h. Radiological imaging showed the features suggestive of ruptured intracranial epidermoid cyst which was operated. Two years later the patient re-presented with headache for 4–5 days where repeat MRI revealed recurrence of the tumor. DISCUSSION: Epidermoid cysts are very slow growing tumor at a linear rate due progressive accumulation of normally dividing epidermal cells. These tumors often reach a large size before the onset of symptoms. At times, the tumor capsule may show infiltration to the brain parenchyma and tight adherence to neurovascular structures which leads to the incomplete removal of the tumor capsule leading to recurrence of tumor. CONCLUSION: Rupture of intracranial epidermoid cyst is a rare phenomenon and recurrence of this tumor in patients is even infrequent.