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MR of a nasal glioma in a young infant
P H Jartti1, A E Jartti, A I Karttunen
1Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Oulu University Hospital, Finland.
Abstract:
We describe MR findings of a nasal glioma in a 5-week-old male infant with feeding difficulties and symptoms of respiratory distress. Endoscopic examination revealed a soft tissue mass in the nasal cavity. In T1- and T2-weighted images, the gyral structure of grey matter was visible. In T1-weighted images, a tissue component with a lower signal intensity equal to that of white matter was also well distinguishable. Edge enhancement of the tumour was due to the nasal mucosal epithelium covering the tumour. MR images were useful to rule out intracranial extension of the nasal cavity lesion and the brain, thus excluding the diagnosis of encephalocele. The lesion was excised and histologically characterized as heterotopic brain tissue.
Insights
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) revealed a nasal glioma in an infant, differentiating it from encephalocele. This rare condition presented as heterotopic brain tissue, aiding surgical planning.
Area of Science:
- Neuroradiology
- Pediatric Radiology
- Congenital Malformations
Background:
- Nasal gliomas are rare congenital tumors composed of glial tissue.
- Infantile feeding difficulties and respiratory distress can indicate nasal masses.
Observation:
- A 5-week-old infant presented with feeding difficulties and respiratory distress.
- Endoscopic examination identified a nasal cavity soft tissue mass.
- MRI revealed characteristic grey and white matter signal intensities and gyral structures.
Findings:
- T1- and T2-weighted MRI demonstrated visible grey matter gyral structures.
- T1-weighted images showed a white matter-equivalent signal intensity component.
- Tumor edge enhancement was attributed to the overlying nasal mucosal epithelium.
- MRI successfully excluded intracranial extension, ruling out encephalocele.
Implications:
- MRI is crucial for diagnosing nasal gliomas and differentiating them from other congenital nasal masses.
- Accurate imaging aids in surgical planning and management of nasal gliomas.
- Histological confirmation of heterotopic brain tissue solidifies the diagnosis.
