Growing skull fracture

Case contributed by Dalia Ibrahim
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

History of old head trauma since he was 5 months old. Now presented with seizures and progressive left head swelling.

Patient Data

Age: 5 years
Gender: Male
mri

Gapped left occipital skull fracture with herniation of the left occipital leptomeninges and brain parenchyma through the bony defect. Left occipito-temporal area of encephalomalacia, likely sequel of old cerebral injury.

Case Discussion

Leptomeningeal cysts, also known as growing skull fractures, are an enlarging skull fracture that occurs near post-traumatic encephalomalacia. The term cyst is actually a misnomer, as it is not a cyst, but an extension of the encephalomalacia. Hence, it is usually seen a few months post-trauma.

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