Ultrasound as a standalone tool for the management of pediatric calvarial dermoid cysts

• Published in: Child's nervous system 2024-12, Vol.40 (12), p.4179-4187
• Main Authors: Alsalek, Samir, Christian, Eisha A., Esfahani, Darian R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Dermoid Cyst - diagnostic imaging; Dermoid Cyst - surgery; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Neurosciences; Neurosurgery; Retrospective Studies; Skull - diagnostic imaging; Skull - surgery; Skull Neoplasms - diagnostic imaging; Skull Neoplasms - surgery; Ultrasonography - methods
• ISSN: 0256-7040; 1433-0350; 1433-0350
• DOI: 10.1007/s00381-024-06521-6

Purpose Calvarial dermoid and epidermoid cysts are benign lesions common in pediatric neurosurgery. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, with frequent but inconsistent use of imaging. Dermoids have been shown to possess distinct sonographic features, but ultrasound (US) remains underutilized in their management. The purpose of this study is to investigate the independent reliability of US in managing pediatric calvarial dermoids and distinguishing them from other calvarial lesions. Methods A retrospective review of consecutive patients ≤ 21 years of age with surgically resected calvarial masses between 2017–2024 was performed. Demographic, clinical, and imaging data were analyzed. Pearson chi-squared tests were used for comparison of categorical variables and a binomial linear model was generated controlling for age, lesion tenderness, growth, and suture location. Results Fifty-nine patients with 61 lesions (31 in females; median age 13 months) were included. Dermoids were more common in younger patients (median age 12 months), along suture lines, and were less likely to present with tenderness ( p