Abstract
Intracranial ependymal cysts (ECs) are rare benign lesions. They are frequently asymptomatic
and arise in the supratentorial regions. Retrocerebellar ECs is a rare location. We
present a case of 3-months-old infant who developed obstructive hydrocephalus, bulging
fontanel, and macrocephaly secondary to a retrocerebellar EC. Magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI) showed a large retrocerebellar cyst that compressed the cerebellum and the brainstem,
producing fourth ventricle outlet obstruction and supratentorial hydrocephalus. Microsurgical
fenestration of the cyst to the obex of the fourth ventricle and a cystic wall biopsy
were performed. The procedure improved supratentorial hydrocephalus, as well as the
patient's clinical condition. A histopathological study confirmed the diagnosis of
an EC.
As far as we know, after a thorough review of the literature, this is the first reported
case of retrocerebellar EC. It is a rare cause of hydrocephalus due to outlet obstruction
of the fourth ventricle. Treatment of the cause itself was shown to be effective.
Keywords
ependymal cysts -
glioependymal cyst - retrocerebellar cyst - benign cyst
