Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery for Dermoid Cysts Arising From the Middle Cranial Fossa Floor: A Rare Case Series

Abstract

Objective Dermoid cysts (DCs) are congenital, slowly growing, and may cause nervous system symptoms. Related literature is limited and mainly includes case reports. We report a case series of DCs originating from the middle cranial fossa floor (MCFF) and investigate their demographic information, clinical characteristics, imaging findings, surgical procedures, and prognostic outcomes. Methods We reviewed the patients with DCs arising from the MCFF undergoing endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) in our center between 2012 and 2022. Results A total of 5 patients with DCs were enrolled (2 males and 3 females), with a mean age of 46.2 years at the onset. All DCs originated from the MCFF with 1 case involving the middle cranial fossa bone and another 1 case affecting the dura mater. One (20.0%) patient had neurological involvement. After admission, all patients received EES with a total resection rate of 100.0% (5 of 5). After a median follow-up of 73.2 months, all patients achieved complete clinical and radiological improvements. No surgical-related complications or relapses were observed during the long-term follow-up. Conclusion Endoscopic endonasal surgery is considered a safe and effective approach for the treatment of DCs in the MCFF. A larger sample size and longer follow-up time are needed.