Parietal Bone Defect: Differential Diagnosis and Neurologic Associations

Parietal bone defects are rare and exhibit variable etiologies. We report on a 16-year-old girl with an isolated, giant parietal bone defect with encephalomalacia, and an asymptomatic Rathke's cleft cyst. The patient presented with epilepsy. We discuss the differential diagnosis and pertinent neurologic associations. Irrespective of cause, parietal bone defects remain a benign clinical entity. However, it is important to define the extent of the bone defect and associated intracranial abnormalities, and if needed, to take early preventive steps, medical as well as surgical, against potential brain damage.