Boseley Mark E, Tami Thomas A
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.
Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2004 Jan;113(1):30-3. 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.
