Unusual position of pilonidal sinus in children may explain its malformative etiology: Case report and review of the literature

Pilonidal sinus is a condition that causes inflammation and abscesses in the sacral region and affects adolescents and young adults. The etiology of this condition remains controversial. A six year old boy was observed to have an orifice in the frontonasal region which contained hair. He had two previous infections which were treated with antibiotics. Magnetic Resonance Imaging showed no cranial malformations. Surgery was performed under general anesthesia and the pilonidal sinus was completely excised. At follow-up the child was in good health. This case in a child with a frontonasal skin anomaly highlights that skin anomalies may be a cause of pilonidal sinus. Skin malformations can be the underlying cause of pilonidal sinus in some cases.