Nasal dermoid cyst with intracranial extension and an atretic dermal sinus tract

Abstract

Nasofrontal masses belong to the group of congenital midface anomalies (CMFA) in paediatric age group. Nasofrontal dermoids with patent dermal sinus tract is a rare anomaly resulting from the failure of normal embryogenic process. Most patients present in infancy or early childhood. CT and MRI together are usually required for definitive diagnosis. CT imaging provides vital information about the osseous involvement while MRI is crucial for evaluation of the intracranial extent and detailed tissue characterization. Knowledge of embryonic development is important in understanding the pathologies of nasofrontal masses in paediatric age group.

Keywords

• Computed tomography
• congenital midface anomalies
• magnetic resonance imaging