Cephaloceles - experience with 42 patients.

Forty-two patients with 44 cephaloceles treated between 1966 and 1993 are presented. Eighteen lesions were occipital, 2 parietal, 1 at the anterior fontanelle, 11 sincipital, and 12 basal. In recent years computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provided better information on the site and nature of the lesion as well as on associated malformations. Different malformations were associated more frequently with the cranial vault lesions. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-rhinorrhea was the most frequent clinical sign in the basal lesions. Excision of the cele was performed in all but one case. The age at the time of surgical treatment ranged from 1 day to 11 years. Seven patients were shunted. Post-operative complications were persisting CSF-leaks in 5 patients needing operative revision and 2 infections. The outcome was good in the anterior lesions and in the occipital meningoceles.