Nasofrontal surgical reconstruction by external table flap of frontal bone following removal of a dermoid cyst revealed by a fistula: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Nasofrontal fistulas correspond to the persistence of an abnormal communication of embryological origin between the deep layer of the skin and the central nervous system (CNS). They can rarely be associated with a dermoid cyst and be revealed by a locoregional infection, and especially neuromeningeal infections can be serious. The treatment is mainly surgical by performing a total excision of the cyst and the repair of defects. The authors report the case of an 18-month-old infant operated for a dermoid cyst revealed by a nasofrontal fistula. They insist on the characteristics of this pathology in order to establish a diagnosis and an early treatment to avoid the complications that can be heavy in certain cases. They describe the steps of nasofrontal reconstruction by a small flap taken from the outer table of the frontal bone with better esthetic results.

Keywords

• nasofrontal fistula
• dermoid cyst
• surgical treatment
• nasofrontal reconstruction