Intradural dermoid tumor of the posterior fossa in a child with diastematobulbia.

Dermoid tumors (DTs) are rare lesions and represent 0.3% of all intracranial tumors. More than 50% of these tumors are diagnosed in childhood or early adolescence. Authors report an intradural DT of the posterior fossa in a child aged 4 years, possibly originating in the brainstem in which the diastematobulbia was detected postoperatively. Magnetic resonance imaging investigations are mandatory to diagnose these cases. The only curative treatment in DT is the total removal of the lesion. The reported case presents good recovery in the follow-up period of 3 years. The surgical intervention is particularly related to the DT type. Diastematobulbia associated with DT and the origin of the DT in the brainstem is discussed based on the literature.