Median Dermoid cysts are developmental choristomas and constitute 6% of orbital lesions.Cysts are formed during embryogenesis when epithelial cells are stuck under the superficial epithelium, usually at the suture line of bones. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the most important modalities to examine orbital dermoid cysts ( 1 – 3 ). Together with radiological findings and previous literature, we present a patient who had a superolateral orbital mass since childhood and diagnosed with dumbbell-shaped dermoid cyst located both at the eye orbit and temporal fossa, which extended to the temporal fossa through a defect at the location of zygomatico-frontal suture.

A 33-year-old female patient presented with a swelling and a palpable mass in the supero-temporal region of the left eye. Her past history revealed that her complaints first began at the age of 12 years. Ophthalmological examination revealed a mass on the left upper eyelid. Visual acuity was intact in both eyes, eye movements were free in all directions, and biomicroscopic examination and fundus were seen normal. Laboratory data were within normal limits. An orbital computed tomography (CT) and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed with 16-slice multidetector CT and 1.5 Tesla MRI devices, respectively. Orbital CT examination was performed with 0.5 mm sections without contrast material. Orbital MRI examination was performed by obtaining SE T ₁ - weighted(T ₁ W) axial, TSE T ₂ W axial and coronal, and post-contrast T ₁ W axial and coronal images. Intravenous paramagnetic contrast material of 0.1 mmol/kg was administered via antecubital vein for contrast images at the end of the examination. Orbital CT examination revealed a macrolobulated, dumbbell-shaped lesion with a density equal to or less than that of fatty tissue, which had a component that separates zygomatico-frontal suture and extends to subcutaneous fatty tissue at the level of temporal fossa on lateral side. The lesion was mildly compressing the superior rectus muscle and the bulb. The bone window showed separation of orbital lateral zygomatico-frontal suture (Figures 1A-C).

T ₂ W images on MRI examination revealed a hyperintense, dumbbell-shaped, smooth-bordered lesion. T ₁ W axial images showed a hypointense lesion, similar to adjacent tissues. There were two layers in the cyst, with reverse signal between the up and down layers on the T ₁ W and T ₂ W images. This appearance was consistent with a fat-fluid level. Post-contrast T ₁ W axial and coronal images were notable for a mild contrast uptake around the lesion that had a hypointense view (Figures 2 A-D). Based on the CT and MRI findings, the patient was diagnosed with a dermoid cyst. The lesion was excised and the diagnosis of dermoid cyst was confirmed histopathologically.

Dermoid cyst is an ectodermal inclusion cyst which may occur anywhere in the body, but its occurrence in orbit is relatively rare. Approximately 50% of tumors that involve the head are found in or adjacent to the orbit ( 1 , 4 ). The superior temporal quadrant at the zygomatico-frontal suture is the most common location, followed by the nasal aspect of upper orbit at the fronto-ethmoidal suture. They are usually located anteriorly and at paraorbital sites. Dermoid cysts have a slow growth rate. Cysts that are located at upper outer periorbital quadrant may extend deep in the orbita and temporal fossa (dumbbell dermoid), as in our case. Although dumbbell dermoids extend anteriorly as a palpable mass, they may be found in both the orbit and the temporal fossa by destructing lateral orbital wall ( 5 ).

Behavioral patterns of dermoid cysts in orbital and periorbital region depend on the location, size, and growth rate of the tumor. These lesions can be examined by dividing them into groups based on deep or superficial location. In these cases, separation of zygomatico-frontal suture may be present and the lesions are usually located on the lateral orbital wall. Zygomatico-frontal suture is located between the zygomatic bone and the zygomatic process of the frontal bone at the level of lateral orbital wall. Normal zygomatico-frontal suture has a zig-zag configuration and contains a thin streak-like fibrous tissue at the center.

Orbital dermoid cysts may cause sequestration on the keratinized surface of the epidermis and extend to infratemporal fossa or infraorbital cavity through the zygomatico-frontal suture. This clinical scenario rarely occurs but it causes zygomatico-frontal suture separation. Lesions with close relationship with deep orbital tissues are also difficult to treat surgically and they may cause complications that lead to injury of orbital structures and optic nerve. Our case also had a dermoid cyst at the lateral orbital wall, which separated zygomatico-frontal suture and compressed deep tissues of the orbital cavity ( 5 – 8 ).

The imaging method to be selected in dermoid cysts depends on the location and the pattern of behavior of the lesion. Orbital CT is superior for demonstration of remodeling or destruction of bones, and presence of a calcific or macroscopic fatty component. Orbital MRI is useful for evaluation of the lesion contents that have a fluid density in CT examination, for demonstration of the relationship with adjacent soft tissues, and intracranial extent of the lesion. Dermoid cysts appear as masses with a well-defined border, a smooth contour, and a low density in orbital CT without contrast. They had a fat density in CT when they contain fatty components. Attenuation level of dermoid cysts ranges between (-60) and (-90) Hounsfield units (HU) in CT. They may contain calcific components. They may show a fat-fluid level. Heterogeneity in the fat tissue consistent with inflammation may be observed adjacent to ruptured dermoid cysts. Rarely, some dermoid cysts may appear uniformly hyperdense in CT examination. Similar to other cysts, dermoid cysts had a low T ₁ W signal and a high T ₂ W signal in orbital MRI if they do not contain any macroscopic fat component. However, depending on the fat component, they show characteristic signal properties of fat tissue when they contain macroscopic fat. These lesions had a signal equal to subcutaneous fatty tissue in all sequences. Postcontrast MRI examination does not show any contrast uptake by the content of the dermoid cysts but cysts may show a thin peripheral contrast uptake. Despite their typical radiological appearances, dermoid cysts may have markedly different sites of location ( 1 , 8 – 10 ).

The differential diagnosis of dermoid cysts located in the anterior lateral includes lacrimal gland masses, teratomas and plexiform neuro fibromas. The differential diagnosis of dermoid cysts located in the anterior medial includes both mucoceles and encephaloceles ( 3 , 10 , 11 ). Management of dermoid cysts is surgical with complete excision of the cyst lining, taking care to avoid rupture. All attempts should be made to remove the remnants of the cyst to avoid a potential severe inflammatory reaction ( 8 , 10 ).

In conclusion, orbital dermoid cysts are common benign lesions. Although their diagnosis and therapy are straightforward, it should be remembered that their clinical signs will be diversified and their surgical treatment complicated due to compressive effects of the deep component. CT and MRI are effective tools for diagnosis of these lesions and determination of their extent.