Recurrent meningitis and holocord subduralabscess caused by spinal dermoid cyst

Abstract

Spinal subdural abscess caused by spread of infection via the dermal sinus tract is rare in children. Here, we present a hydrocephalus caused by recurrent meningitis arising from subdural abscess and infected dermoid tumor. A 4 year-old-boy was admitted to our clinic with the diagnosis of meningitis. Further evaluation disclosed a spinal dermoid tumor and subdural abscess associated with hydrocephalus. Dermoid tumor was resected surgically and antibiotherapy was started. Aventriculoperitoneal shunt has been inserted for hydrocephalus. In conclusion, recurrent meningitis may be caused by infected spinal dermoid tumor. In rare cases, spinal dermoid tumor may even cause subdural abscess. Thus, spinal evaluation of recurrent meningitis is mandatory. A clear cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) obtained using a ventricular puncture does not exclude spinal infectious foci.