Occipital Intradiploic Pseudomeningocele – A Rare Complication of Pediatric Posterior Cranial Fossa Surgery: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Intradiploic pseudomeningoceles, also called intradiploic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistulas, are abnormal CSF collections between the two bony tables of the calvaria resulting from postsurgical CSF leakage. To date, only six cases of intradiploic pseudomeningocele have been reported, all occurring in the occipital area. In this paper, we report the seventh case of late-onset occipital intradiploic pseudomeningocele (OIP) occurring in a young female patient who underwent surgery for the removal of a cerebellar pilocytic astrocytoma. In this regard, we also review the literature on the few recognized cases of OIP. <b><i>Case Presentation:</i></b> The case of an 18-year-old female patient known to our institute for an operation 12 years earlier to remove a pilocytic astrocytoma is illustrated. At admission, the patient complained only of occasional orthostatic headache. Brain imaging demonstrated a pseudomeningocele extended intradiploically from the occipital squama to the condylar and clivus regions, thinning both occipital bone tables and dilating the CSF-filled diploe. Watertight duroplasty and cranioplasty were effectively performed. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Pediatric patients undergoing posterior cranial fossa craniotomy/craniectomy may postoperatively develop OIP. In this setting, treatment of any dural CSF fistula should be considered because of the risk of progressive extension and bone erosion.