{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,7,24]],"date-time":"2026-07-24T14:31:01Z","timestamp":1784903461112,"version":"3.55.0"},"reference-count":42,"publisher":"Journal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group (JNSPG)","issue":"15","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2025,10,13]],"date-time":"2025-10-13T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1760313600000},"content-version":"unspecified","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-nd\/4.0\/"}],"content-domain":{"domain":[],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":["J Neurosurg Case Lessons"],"published-print":{"date-parts":[[2025,10,13]]},"abstract":"\n BACKGROUND<\/jats:title>\n Dissemination of an intracranial dermoid cyst to the cervical or thoracic spine is rare and can present treatment challenges. Dermoid cysts are typically benign and slow-growing, but ruptured contents can disseminate within the CNS. In rare cases, the disseminated fragments can migrate extensively and accumulate over time, leading to progressive neurological symptoms.<\/jats:p>\n <\/jats:sec>\n \n OBSERVATIONS<\/jats:title>\n The authors report the case of a 39-year-old woman who presented with extensive progression of disseminated dermoid cyst fragments. Initially identified as small intracisternal fat globules, these fragments migrated and extensively disseminated throughout the spinal canal, eventually leading to involvement of the cervical and thoracic spine. Symptom progression included left-hand weakness, numbness, and neck pain due to spinal cord compression. Surgical decompression at the foramen magnum alleviated cranial pressure and improved symptoms.<\/jats:p>\n <\/jats:sec>\n \n LESSONS<\/jats:title>\n While ruptured dermoid cyst contents are known to migrate intracranially, few cases of dissemination to the craniocervical junction or spinal cord have been reported. This case emphasizes the importance of serial imaging to document progression and the role of decompression in managing mass effect secondary to ruptured dermoid cyst contents at the craniocervical junction.<\/jats:p>\n \n https:\/\/thejns.org\/doi\/abs\/10.3171\/CASE25506<\/jats:ext-link>\n <\/jats:p>\n <\/jats:sec>","DOI":"10.3171\/case25506","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2025,11,4]],"date-time":"2025-11-04T00:03:33Z","timestamp":1762214613000},"source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":1,"title":["Ruptured intracranial dermoid cyst with progressive spinal dissemination: illustrative case"],"prefix":"10.3171","volume":"10","author":[{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-1056-7639","authenticated-orcid":true,"given":"Umika","family":"Paul","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Brittany","family":"Owusu-Adjei","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts"},{"name":"Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Massachusetts Memorial Health Center, Worcester, Massachusetts"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Constance J.","family":"Mietus","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts"},{"name":"Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Massachusetts Memorial Health Center, Worcester, Massachusetts"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Paramesh","family":"Karandikar","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Oguz","family":"Cataltepe","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts"},{"name":"Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Massachusetts Memorial Health Center, Worcester, Massachusetts"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]}],"member":"1754","reference":[{"issue":"6","key":"bib1","series-title":"Surg Neurol","first-page":"391","article-title":"Ruptured intracranial dermoid cysts","volume":"57","author":"Stendel","year":"2002","unstructured":"Stendel RPietil\u00e4 TALehmann KKurth RSuess OBrock M.Ruptured intracranial dermoid cysts. Surg Neurol. 2002;57(6):391-398."},{"issue":"6","key":"bib2","series-title":"J Neurosurg Pediatr","first-page":"621","article-title":"Analysis of the growth pattern of a dermoid cyst","volume":"14","author":"Fanous","year":"2014","unstructured":"Fanous AAGupta PLi V.Analysis of the growth pattern of a dermoid cyst. J Neurosurg Pediatr. 2014;14(6):621-625."},{"issue":"5","key":"bib3","series-title":"Surg Neurol","first-page":"531","article-title":"Intradural dermoid cyst located on the ventral surface of the brainstem in a child","volume":"70","author":"Chu","year":"2008","unstructured":"Chu WFeng HZhu GYe XLin J.Intradural dermoid cyst located on the ventral surface of the brainstem in a child. Surg Neurol. 2008;70(5):531-535."},{"issue":"1","key":"bib4","series-title":"Clin Neurol Neurosurg","first-page":"63","article-title":"Sylvian fissure dermoid cyst with intratumoral hemorrhage: case report","volume":"108","author":"Chen","year":"2005","unstructured":"Chen JCChen YLin SMTseng SH.Sylvian fissure dermoid cyst with intratumoral hemorrhage: case report. Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2005;108(1):63-66."},{"issue":"6","key":"bib5","series-title":"Pediatr Dermatol","first-page":"556","article-title":"Congenital, ill-defined, yellowish plaque: the nasal dermoid","volume":"23","author":"Julapalli","year":"2006","unstructured":"Julapalli MRCohen BAHollier LHMetry DW.Congenital, ill-defined, yellowish plaque: the nasal dermoid. Pediatr Dermatol. 2006;23(6):556-559."},{"issue":"6","key":"bib6","series-title":"Pediatr Dermatol","first-page":"706","article-title":"Dermoid cysts: a report of 75 pediatric patients","volume":"30","author":"Orozco-Covarrubias","year":"2013","unstructured":"Orozco-Covarrubias LLara-Carpio RSaez-De-Ocariz MDuran-McKinster CPalacios-Lopez CRuiz-Maldonado R.Dermoid cysts: a report of 75 pediatric patients. Pediatr Dermatol. 2013;30(6):706-711."},{"issue":"9","key":"bib7","series-title":"Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep","first-page":"481","article-title":"Intracranial cystic lesions: a review","volume":"14","author":"Taillibert","year":"2014","unstructured":"Taillibert SLe Rhun EChamberlain MC.Intracranial cystic lesions: a review. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2014;14(9):481."},{"issue":"6","key":"bib8","series-title":"J Neurosurg","first-page":"963","article-title":"Massive rupture of suprasellar dermoid cyst into ventricles. Case illustration","volume":"87","author":"Cohen","year":"1997","unstructured":"Cohen JEAbdallah JAGarrote M.Massive rupture of suprasellar dermoid cyst into ventricles. Case illustration. J Neurosurg. 1997;87(6):963."},{"issue":"1","key":"bib9","series-title":"J Clin Neurosci","first-page":"159","article-title":"Progressive visual loss following rupture of an intracranial dermoid cyst","volume":"21","author":"Skovrlj","year":"2014","unstructured":"Skovrlj BMascitelli JRSteinberger JMWeiss N.Progressive visual loss following rupture of an intracranial dermoid cyst. J Clin Neurosci. 2014;21(1):159-161."},{"issue":"1","key":"bib10","series-title":"Neurosurgery","first-page":"97","article-title":"Ruptured suprasellar dermoid cyst presenting olfactory delusion (Eigengeruchs Erlebnis)","volume":"33","author":"Takeuchi","year":"1993","unstructured":"Takeuchi HKubota TKabuto MIzaki K.Ruptured suprasellar dermoid cyst presenting olfactory delusion (Eigengeruchs Erlebnis). Neurosurgery. 1993;33(1):97-99."},{"key":"bib11","series-title":"Front Surg","first-page":"714771","article-title":"Ruptured suprasellar dermoid cyst treated with lumbar drain to prevent postoperative Hydrocephalus: case report and focused review of literature","volume":"8","author":"Blitz","year":"2021","unstructured":"Blitz SEBernstock JDDmytriw AARuptured suprasellar dermoid cyst treated with lumbar drain to prevent postoperative Hydrocephalus: case report and focused review of literature. Front Surg. 2021;8:714771."},{"issue":"1","key":"bib12","series-title":"BMJ Case Rep","first-page":"e247105","article-title":"Asymptomatic rupture of an intracranial dermoid cyst: to intervene or not to intervene?","volume":"15","author":"Wilson","year":"2022","unstructured":"Wilson RP.Asymptomatic rupture of an intracranial dermoid cyst: to intervene or not to intervene? BMJ Case Rep. 2022;15(1):e247105."},{"issue":"1","key":"bib13","series-title":"J Med Case Rep","article-title":"Ruptured dermoid cyst of the lateral cavernous sinus wall with temporary symptoms: a case report","volume":"10","author":"Kosuge","year":"2016","unstructured":"Kosuge YOnodera HSase TRuptured dermoid cyst of the lateral cavernous sinus wall with temporary symptoms: a case report. J Med Case Rep. 2016;10(1):224."},{"issue":"3","key":"bib14","series-title":"Neurosurgery","first-page":"760","article-title":"Subarachnoid fat dissemination after resection of a cerebellopontine angle dysontogenic cyst: case report and review of the literature","volume":"47","author":"Carvalho","year":"2000","unstructured":"Carvalho GACervio AMatthies CSamii M.Subarachnoid fat dissemination after resection of a cerebellopontine angle dysontogenic cyst: case report and review of the literature. Neurosurgery. 2000;47(3):760-764."},{"issue":"1","key":"bib15","series-title":"Eur J Radiol","first-page":"19","article-title":"Expanding experience with spontaneous dermoid rupture in the MRI era: diagnosis and follow-up","volume":"43","author":"Messori","year":"2002","unstructured":"Messori APolonara GSerio AGambelli ESalvolini U.Expanding experience with spontaneous dermoid rupture in the MRI era: diagnosis and follow-up. Eur J Radiol. 2002;43(1):19-27."},{"key":"bib16","series-title":"Surg Neurol Int","first-page":"39","article-title":"Traumatic rupture of intracranial dermoid cyst with continuous fat droplet migration","volume":"14","author":"Aktham","year":"2023","unstructured":"Aktham AMorita STakeuchi STraumatic rupture of intracranial dermoid cyst with continuous fat droplet migration. Surg Neurol Int. 2023;14:39."},{"key":"bib17","series-title":"Front Oncol","first-page":"1468622","article-title":"Microscopic and neuroendoscopic treatment of a large ruptured supratentorial dermoid cyst with extensive dissemination: a case report and literature review","volume":"14","author":"Zhang","year":"2024","unstructured":"Zhang YDeng TWu ZMicroscopic and neuroendoscopic treatment of a large ruptured supratentorial dermoid cyst with extensive dissemination: a case report and literature review. Front Oncol. 2024;14:1468622."},{"issue":"4","key":"bib18","series-title":"Ann Med Surg (Lond)","first-page":"2366","article-title":"Rupture of a dermoid cyst in the subarachnoid space: a case report","volume":"86","author":"Jamal","year":"2024","unstructured":"Jamal OMakhchoune MLaidi ARupture of a dermoid cyst in the subarachnoid space: a case report. Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2024;86(4):2366-2369."},{"issue":"2","key":"bib19","series-title":"Neurosurgery","first-page":"377","article-title":"Ruptured intracranial dermoid cysts: clinical, radiographic, and surgical features","volume":"62","author":"Liu","year":"2008","unstructured":"Liu JKGottfried ONSalzman KLSchmidt RHCouldwell WT.Ruptured intracranial dermoid cysts: clinical, radiographic, and surgical features. Neurosurgery. 2008;62(2):377-384."},{"issue":"5","key":"bib20","series-title":"Childs Nerv Syst","first-page":"255","article-title":"Klippel-Feil syndrome in children: clinical features and management","volume":"1","author":"Nagib","year":"1985","unstructured":"Nagib MGMaxwell REChou SN.Klippel-Feil syndrome in children: clinical features and management. Childs Nerv Syst. 1985;1(5):255-263."},{"issue":"1","key":"bib21","series-title":"Turk Neurosurg","first-page":"153","article-title":"Association of craniovertebral junction anomalies, Klippel-Feil syndrome, ruptured dermoid cyst and mirror movement in one patient: a unique case and literature review","volume":"26","author":"Zhang","year":"2016","unstructured":"Zhang YKGeng SMLiu PNLv G.Association of craniovertebral junction anomalies, Klippel-Feil syndrome, ruptured dermoid cyst and mirror movement in one patient: a unique case and literature review. Turk Neurosurg. 2016;26(1):153-165."},{"issue":"6","key":"bib1","series-title":"Surg Neurol","first-page":"391","article-title":"Ruptured intracranial dermoid cysts","volume":"57","author":"Stendel","year":"2002","unstructured":"Stendel RPietil\u00e4 TALehmann KKurth RSuess OBrock M.Ruptured intracranial dermoid cysts. Surg Neurol. 2002;57(6):391-398."},{"issue":"6","key":"bib2","series-title":"J Neurosurg Pediatr","first-page":"621","article-title":"Analysis of the growth pattern of a dermoid cyst","volume":"14","author":"Fanous","year":"2014","unstructured":"Fanous AAGupta PLi V.Analysis of the growth pattern of a dermoid cyst. J Neurosurg Pediatr. 2014;14(6):621-625."},{"issue":"5","key":"bib3","series-title":"Surg Neurol","first-page":"531","article-title":"Intradural dermoid cyst located on the ventral surface of the brainstem in a child","volume":"70","author":"Chu","year":"2008","unstructured":"Chu WFeng HZhu GYe XLin J.Intradural dermoid cyst located on the ventral surface of the brainstem in a child. Surg Neurol. 2008;70(5):531-535."},{"issue":"1","key":"bib4","series-title":"Clin Neurol Neurosurg","first-page":"63","article-title":"Sylvian fissure dermoid cyst with intratumoral hemorrhage: case report","volume":"108","author":"Chen","year":"2005","unstructured":"Chen JCChen YLin SMTseng SH.Sylvian fissure dermoid cyst with intratumoral hemorrhage: case report. Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2005;108(1):63-66."},{"issue":"6","key":"bib5","series-title":"Pediatr Dermatol","first-page":"556","article-title":"Congenital, ill-defined, yellowish plaque: the nasal dermoid","volume":"23","author":"Julapalli","year":"2006","unstructured":"Julapalli MRCohen BAHollier LHMetry DW.Congenital, ill-defined, yellowish plaque: the nasal dermoid. Pediatr Dermatol. 2006;23(6):556-559."},{"issue":"6","key":"bib6","series-title":"Pediatr Dermatol","first-page":"706","article-title":"Dermoid cysts: a report of 75 pediatric patients","volume":"30","author":"Orozco-Covarrubias","year":"2013","unstructured":"Orozco-Covarrubias LLara-Carpio RSaez-De-Ocariz MDuran-McKinster CPalacios-Lopez CRuiz-Maldonado R.Dermoid cysts: a report of 75 pediatric patients. Pediatr Dermatol. 2013;30(6):706-711."},{"issue":"9","key":"bib7","series-title":"Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep","first-page":"481","article-title":"Intracranial cystic lesions: a review","volume":"14","author":"Taillibert","year":"2014","unstructured":"Taillibert SLe Rhun EChamberlain MC.Intracranial cystic lesions: a review. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2014;14(9):481."},{"issue":"6","key":"bib8","series-title":"J Neurosurg","first-page":"963","article-title":"Massive rupture of suprasellar dermoid cyst into ventricles. Case illustration","volume":"87","author":"Cohen","year":"1997","unstructured":"Cohen JEAbdallah JAGarrote M.Massive rupture of suprasellar dermoid cyst into ventricles. Case illustration. J Neurosurg. 1997;87(6):963."},{"issue":"1","key":"bib9","series-title":"J Clin Neurosci","first-page":"159","article-title":"Progressive visual loss following rupture of an intracranial dermoid cyst","volume":"21","author":"Skovrlj","year":"2014","unstructured":"Skovrlj BMascitelli JRSteinberger JMWeiss N.Progressive visual loss following rupture of an intracranial dermoid cyst. J Clin Neurosci. 2014;21(1):159-161."},{"issue":"1","key":"bib10","series-title":"Neurosurgery","first-page":"97","article-title":"Ruptured suprasellar dermoid cyst presenting olfactory delusion (Eigengeruchs Erlebnis)","volume":"33","author":"Takeuchi","year":"1993","unstructured":"Takeuchi HKubota TKabuto MIzaki K.Ruptured suprasellar dermoid cyst presenting olfactory delusion (Eigengeruchs Erlebnis). Neurosurgery. 1993;33(1):97-99."},{"key":"bib11","series-title":"Front Surg","first-page":"714771","article-title":"Ruptured suprasellar dermoid cyst treated with lumbar drain to prevent postoperative Hydrocephalus: case report and focused review of literature","volume":"8","author":"Blitz","year":"2021","unstructured":"Blitz SEBernstock JDDmytriw AARuptured suprasellar dermoid cyst treated with lumbar drain to prevent postoperative Hydrocephalus: case report and focused review of literature. Front Surg. 2021;8:714771."},{"issue":"1","key":"bib12","series-title":"BMJ Case Rep","first-page":"e247105","article-title":"Asymptomatic rupture of an intracranial dermoid cyst: to intervene or not to intervene?","volume":"15","author":"Wilson","year":"2022","unstructured":"Wilson RP.Asymptomatic rupture of an intracranial dermoid cyst: to intervene or not to intervene? BMJ Case Rep. 2022;15(1):e247105."},{"issue":"1","key":"bib13","series-title":"J Med Case Rep","article-title":"Ruptured dermoid cyst of the lateral cavernous sinus wall with temporary symptoms: a case report","volume":"10","author":"Kosuge","year":"2016","unstructured":"Kosuge YOnodera HSase TRuptured dermoid cyst of the lateral cavernous sinus wall with temporary symptoms: a case report. J Med Case Rep. 2016;10(1):224."},{"issue":"3","key":"bib14","series-title":"Neurosurgery","first-page":"760","article-title":"Subarachnoid fat dissemination after resection of a cerebellopontine angle dysontogenic cyst: case report and review of the literature","volume":"47","author":"Carvalho","year":"2000","unstructured":"Carvalho GACervio AMatthies CSamii M.Subarachnoid fat dissemination after resection of a cerebellopontine angle dysontogenic cyst: case report and review of the literature. Neurosurgery. 2000;47(3):760-764."},{"issue":"1","key":"bib15","series-title":"Eur J Radiol","first-page":"19","article-title":"Expanding experience with spontaneous dermoid rupture in the MRI era: diagnosis and follow-up","volume":"43","author":"Messori","year":"2002","unstructured":"Messori APolonara GSerio AGambelli ESalvolini U.Expanding experience with spontaneous dermoid rupture in the MRI era: diagnosis and follow-up. Eur J Radiol. 2002;43(1):19-27."},{"key":"bib16","series-title":"Surg Neurol Int","first-page":"39","article-title":"Traumatic rupture of intracranial dermoid cyst with continuous fat droplet migration","volume":"14","author":"Aktham","year":"2023","unstructured":"Aktham AMorita STakeuchi STraumatic rupture of intracranial dermoid cyst with continuous fat droplet migration. Surg Neurol Int. 2023;14:39."},{"key":"bib17","series-title":"Front Oncol","first-page":"1468622","article-title":"Microscopic and neuroendoscopic treatment of a large ruptured supratentorial dermoid cyst with extensive dissemination: a case report and literature review","volume":"14","author":"Zhang","year":"2024","unstructured":"Zhang YDeng TWu ZMicroscopic and neuroendoscopic treatment of a large ruptured supratentorial dermoid cyst with extensive dissemination: a case report and literature review. Front Oncol. 2024;14:1468622."},{"issue":"4","key":"bib18","series-title":"Ann Med Surg (Lond)","first-page":"2366","article-title":"Rupture of a dermoid cyst in the subarachnoid space: a case report","volume":"86","author":"Jamal","year":"2024","unstructured":"Jamal OMakhchoune MLaidi ARupture of a dermoid cyst in the subarachnoid space: a case report. Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2024;86(4):2366-2369."},{"issue":"2","key":"bib19","series-title":"Neurosurgery","first-page":"377","article-title":"Ruptured intracranial dermoid cysts: clinical, radiographic, and surgical features","volume":"62","author":"Liu","year":"2008","unstructured":"Liu JKGottfried ONSalzman KLSchmidt RHCouldwell WT.Ruptured intracranial dermoid cysts: clinical, radiographic, and surgical features. Neurosurgery. 2008;62(2):377-384."},{"issue":"5","key":"bib20","series-title":"Childs Nerv Syst","first-page":"255","article-title":"Klippel-Feil syndrome in children: clinical features and management","volume":"1","author":"Nagib","year":"1985","unstructured":"Nagib MGMaxwell REChou SN.Klippel-Feil syndrome in children: clinical features and management. Childs Nerv Syst. 1985;1(5):255-263."},{"issue":"1","key":"bib21","series-title":"Turk Neurosurg","first-page":"153","article-title":"Association of craniovertebral junction anomalies, Klippel-Feil syndrome, ruptured dermoid cyst and mirror movement in one patient: a unique case and literature review","volume":"26","author":"Zhang","year":"2016","unstructured":"Zhang YKGeng SMLiu PNLv G.Association of craniovertebral junction anomalies, Klippel-Feil syndrome, ruptured dermoid cyst and mirror movement in one patient: a unique case and literature review. 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