MICROSURGICAL EXCISION OF A PONTOMEDULLARY EPIDERMOID CYST WITH PREPONTINE EXTENSION - CASE-REPORT

WE REPORT THE case of a patient with a pontomedullary epidermoid cyst extending into the prepontine cistern. The patient presented with a pr ogressive VIth nerve palsy, ataxia, and headache. Magnetic resonance i maging demonstrated a well-defined pontomedullary tumor with a high fa t content. We excised the lesion using a microsurgical approach throug h the floor of the fourth ventricle. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the removal of both intra- and extra-axial component s. We discuss the anatomic configuration, radiological appearances, an d management of this unusual pathological finding.