Dermoid Cyst vs. Meningoencephalocele

Due to the different characteristics of the local finding, the diagnoses are: Left picture: A parietal dermoid cyst (with a characteristic tuft of hair). Right picture: A meningozele. An MRI shows an eventration of the arachnoid, and an additional continuation of dysplastic brain tissue to the outside. Therefore, the precise diagnosis is a meningoencephalocele.

Both pathologies seem to lie in the posterior vertical region close to the midline. Left picture: On looking closely, this pathology lies on the left side lateral to the midline. In general, this type of lesion occurs in the midline as well as lateral to the midline. Right picture: This local finding lies exactly in the midline. It is observed nearly exclusively in the midline. An additional tuft of hair is observed less frequently. Left picture: Here, the local finding is combined with a tuft of hair. The mass is spherical, firm, and rough. Right picture: This mass is soft, cystic, and longitudinal-oval. Yet, it becomes tighter on crying. Left picture: The patient is an infant. Right picture: This a newborn.