Epidermoid cyst and abscess following titanium mesh cranioplasty: A rare case report.

BACKGROUND

The development of a slowly enlarging epidermoid cyst (EC) near a scalp incision following titanium mesh cranioplasty (TMC), with subsequent progression to an epidural abscess after resection, represents an exceedingly rare iatrogenic complication.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 68-year-old male, who had undergone decompressive craniectomy followed by staged bilateral TMC 5 years earlier for traumatic brain injury, presented with a solitary scalp mass that had been noted 1 year prior. Six months after the mass was resected, the patient developed an epidural abscess. Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of an EC, chronic inflammation, and Staphylococcus epidermidis growth.

CONCLUSION

This case suggests that the EC and subsequent abscess were likely related to the prior TMC, highlighting this clinical course as a rare but serious iatrogenic complication of the procedure.