Mature hyperdense teratomas in the posterior fossa.

PURPOSE: To study the imaging and pathological features of hyperdense mature teratoma in the posterior fossa.

CASE DESCRIPTION: Case 1: An 11-year-old boy presented with intermittent headaches for 1 year, gradually aggravated for 1 month, accompanied by nausea and vomiting for 4 days. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a large posterior fossa hyperdense mass with obstructive hydrocephalus. It is predominantly hyperdense along with calcifications, fat, and soft tissue components, the CT value of the hyperdense is about 100 HU. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan revealed that the mass was mainly isointense on T1-weighted imaging and hypointense on T2-weighted imaging with linear enhancement. SWI scans revealed that most of the lesions showed low signal, which represents the deposition of hemosiderin. Through a suboccipital craniotomy with resection of the lesion. Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of mature teratoma.Case 2: A 27-year-old woman presented with a headache and dizziness for 2 months, accompanied by nausea and vomiting 2 times. CT and MRI scans revealed a large posterior fossa hyperdense mass with obstructive hydrocephalus. The density and signal intensity were similar to those of case 1. Through a suboccipital craniotomy with resection of the lesion. Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of mature teratoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Mature hyperdense teratomas in the posterior fossa have rarely been reported. When a cystic lesion demonstrates hyperdense along with calcifications, fat, and soft tissue components, teratoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis. This study may assist neurosurgeons and neuroradiologists by broadening the differential diagnoses for unusual teratomas.