Endoscopic Management of Anterior Skull Base Encephaloceles

• Published in: Annals of otology, rhinology & laryngology Vol. 113; no. 1; pp. 30 - 33
• Main Authors: Boseley, Mark E., Tami, Thomas A.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.01.2004; Annals Publishing Compagny; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Diagnosis, Differential; Encephalocele - diagnosis; Encephalocele - diagnostic imaging; Encephalocele - surgery; Endoscopy; Female; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Malformations of the nervous system; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Neurology; Radiography, Interventional; Skull Base; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; hydroxyapatite; encephalocele; endoscopic repair; dura; Case study; Human; Encephalocele; Nervous system diseases; Clinical management; Treatment; Malformation; Central nervous system disease; Endoscopy; Congenital disease; Base of the skull; Cerebral disorder
• ISSN: 0003-4894; 1943-572X
• DOI: 10.1177/000348940411300106

Encephaloceles are relatively rare phenomena produced by the protrusion of brain and dura through an anterior skull base defect. Although they can occur as congenital defects, encephaloceles can also present after trauma. The diagnosis is usually made with nasal endoscopy and imaging studies. This report reviews our recent experience repairing 5 encephaloceles in 4 patients. The diagnostic approach and the technical aspects of surgical management are discussed. Although encephaloceles are a rarity, this diagnosis should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis in evaluating a patient with a unilateral polypoid nasal mass, particularly in the setting of recurrent meningitis or cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea.