[Intranasal meningocele presenting as a nasal polyp--case report]

Intranasal meningocele occurs rarely. It is difficult to diagnose because its appearance resembles common polyps. If it coexists with other inborn cranio-facial malformation they are easier to diagnose. In the case investigated by us, the 32 year-old woman's ailments suggested intranasal polyps and we discovered the meningocele localized intranasal on the right. The CT scan of the nasal sinuses is the most reliable examination for the developing diagnosis. The CT findings revealed the meningocele protruding from the anterior cranial fosse through the lamina cribrosa to the right nasal cavity. During the operation the meningocele was removed and the durra mater was sutured. The bony-mucosal lesion was covered with composite graft taken from bony part of nasal septum and mucosal part of the inferior turbinate. The graft has been incorporated into the surrounding tissue. Neither a cerebrospinal fluid leak nor any other complications have been reported within the past 6 years. Therefore, we consider this a successful procedure.