Seno dérmico sacro asociado a quiste dermoide lumbosacro en un adolescente: reporte de caso

Alberto Ramírez Espinoza; Nancy Lourdes Mayo Simón

doi:10.59594/iicqp.2026.v4n1.165

Authors

Alberto Ramírez Espinoza Specialized Comprehensive Neurosurgery Care Subunit, Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño San Borja, Lima 15037, Peru. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3530-5704
Nancy Lourdes Mayo Simón Diagnostic Support Subunit, Pathology Service, Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño San Borja, Lima 15037, Peru. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2230-9880

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59594/iicqp.2026.v4n1.165

Keywords:

Spina Bifida Occulta, Dermal Sinus, Spinal Dysraphism, Case Reports

Abstract

Background: Dermoid cyst is a rare, slow-growing spinal lesion that accounts for less than 1% of intraspinal tumors. It is most frequently located in the lumbar region and may be associated with a dermal sinus, which increases the risk of infection and neurological complications. Although it is usually diagnosed in childhood, it may remain asymptomatic for years and present later in life.

Case description: We present the case of a 14-year-old male patient with a sacral dermal sinus present since birth, previously unevaluated, who presented in adolescence with low back pain and purulent discharge. At admission, the patient had no neurological deficits or sphincter dysfunction. Physical examination revealed a sacral dermal sinus with hypertrichosis. Lumbosacral spine magnetic resonance imaging showed a dermal sinus extending to the dura mater, associated with an intraspinal intradural lumbosacral dermoid cyst. Surgical treatment was performed by lumbar laminectomy and complete excision of the dermal sinus and dermoid cyst, with favorable postoperative evolution and no complications.

Conclusions: Dermoid cyst represents a challenge in surgical treatment. Although recurrence is low, it may affect patients’ quality of life; therefore, complete resection is the treatment of choice when feasible. This case highlights the importance of early recognition of dermal sinus and prompt evaluation with magnetic resonance imaging to prevent complications.

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