Congenital occipital dermal sinus

The clinical and radiographic features of 5 patients with congenital occipital dermal sinus are reviewed. This entity is frequently associated with a midline occipital bony defect visible on skull radiographs. Recognition and proper interpretation of this radiographic defect can be the first indication of the presence of a clinically unsuspected occipital dermal sinus. Alternatively, demonstration of the defect in patients being evaluated for midline occipital skin dimples, sinuses or masses can provide confirmatory evidence of congenital dermal sinus. Early recognition, particularly prior to development of infection, is of great importance.