An infected dermoid cyst without a sinus tract: A rarity mimicking a spinal tumor

Abstract

Spinal dermoid cysts are rare and account for 0.8 to 1.1 of spinal intramedullary Tumors. Only a few cases of infected spinal dermoid cysts have been reported in the literature and most of them were associated with a dermal sinus as the source of infection. We report a case of an infected spinal dermoid cyst in the absence of a dermal sinus in a 3-year-old child who underwent excision of cyst. On a long-term follow-up of about 10 years, there was no evidence of any recurrence. However, bowel and bladder dysfunction persisted. In the light of the current literature, we discuss the clinical presentation, etiopathogenesis, radiological features, management, and long-term outcome of an infected conus dermoid cyst.