Congenital subgaleal cysts over the anterior fontanelle in Nigerians

Abstract

Eighteen cases of a congenital cystic swelling located over the anterior fontanelle are described in Nigerian patients who were otherwise clinically normal, There was a female: male ratio of 2: 1. Radiologically and at operation, the cysts showed no evidence of intracranial connexion. Excision was curative. Of 14 cases which were histologically verified, all were dermoid cysts except one in which nerve tissue was present suggesting an encephalocele. Air cystography was the most useful diagnostic procedure.