Anterior fontanelle inclusion cyst

Anterior fontanelle inclusion cysts, also commonly referred to as congenital dermoid inclusion cysts, are cystic lesions overlying the anterior fontanelle without communication with the underlying intracranial compartment.

Terminology

Although the term congenital dermoid inclusion cyst is more common some of these lesions do not contain any secondary skin appendages and in fact represent epidermoid cysts . Furthermore, as even dermoids usually appear cystic without the fatty components frequently encountered elsewhere, it is difficult to distinguish between the two on imaging. As such anterior fontanelle inclusion cyst or anterior fontanelle dermoid/epidermoid is probably a better term.

Epidemiology

Congenital anterior fontanelle inclusion cysts are most frequently seen in black individuals or those with black ancestry and are more commonly seen in women (F:M 2:1) .

Clinical presentation

These cysts usually present at birth as rounded swellings over the anterior fontanelle without any pain or tenderness . Over time they gradually grow.

Occasionally these cysts can become infected .

Pathology

Anterior fontanelle inclusion cysts represent sequestration of epidermal rests during the third to fifth week of gestation . These cysts are lined by stratified squamous epithelium and their content primarily fluid . In the majority of cases, some secondary skin appendages (hair, sebaceous glands) are present and thus they represent dermoids. In others, only epidermal cells a found and thus these represent epidermoid cysts.

Radiographic features

The importance of imaging is to distinguish these cysts from other malformation that communicate with the intracranial compartment (see differential diagnosis section below).  CT is, therefore, a minimum requirement, and if any concern for such communication exists, then further assessment with MRI is warranted.

CT

These cysts appear as well-demarcated ovoid lesions ranging in size from a few millimeters to many centimeters in diameter. They are deep to the scalp and superficial to the dura. The fontanelle is often widened with remodeling/resorption of the underlying bone .

The content is hypodense similar to CSF but can be heterogeneous depending on content .

MRI

Most anterior fontanelle inclusion cysts are fluid-filled and therefore have low T1 and high T2 signal.

Treatment and prognosis

Surgical excision is necessary for cosmetic reasons and to confirm the diagnosis. Complete resection is curative.

Differential diagnosis

On imaging consider

• meningocele
• meningoencephalocele
• sebaceous cyst
• lipoma
• hemangioma
• cephalhematoma
• subgaleal hematoma
• lymphangioma
• sinus pericranii
• abscess

Siehe auch:

• Dermoidzyste
• subgaleal dermoid cyst