Lipoma of the Sylvian Cistern

ABSTRACT

Intracranial lipoma is a rare benign brain tumor and ususally occurs in the midline structures, especially in the corpus callosum. The author report a case of intracranial lipoma in the left sylvian cistern. Sylvian cistern lipomas may be asymptomatic or present with epileptic seizures due to irritation of the cortex of the sylvian fissure. The majority of cases are incidental or autopsy findings and direct surgical approach is only rarely indicated. The patient complained severe headache after head injury, the severe headache did not respose to medical therapy. Craniectomy was performed and then the tumor was removed. The literatures on this rare tumor are reviewed and discussed.