Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Intrathecal Application of a Fluorescent Dye for the Identification of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks in Cochlear Malformation
06:59

Intrathecal Application of a Fluorescent Dye for the Identification of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks in Cochlear Malformation

Published on: February 29, 2020

[Spontaneous temporal bone meningo-encephalocele]

Paweł K Burduk1, Józef Mierzwiński, Danuta Burduk

  • 1Katedra i Klinika Otolaryngologii CM w Bydgoszczy UMK w Toruniu. pburduk@wp.pl

Otolaryngologia Polska = the Polish Otolaryngology
|July 22, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Spontaneous meningoencephalocele of the temporal bone is rare, often linked to obesity and misdiagnosed. Surgical repair can resolve symptoms like pulsatile tinnitus, though hearing loss may persist.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Otolaryngology
  • Neurosurgery

Background:

  • Spontaneous meningoencephalocele of the temporal bone is exceptionally rare, often resulting from otologic surgery or head trauma.
  • Pathologic obesity is a potential contributing factor, with lesions typically occurring in the epitympanum or mastoid antrum.
  • These conditions are frequently misdiagnosed due to subtle or absent symptoms.

Observation:

  • A case study of a 61-year-old obese woman with spontaneous meningoencephalocele of the left temporal bone is presented.
  • The patient exhibited symptoms including conductive hearing loss, left ear fullness, and pulsatile tinnitus.
  • Imaging studies (CT and MRI) revealed tegmen dehiscent areas and meningoencephalocele protruding into the left mastoid cavity.

Findings:

  • Surgical intervention involved a left temporal bone mastoidectomy to address the meningoencephalocele.
  • The bony defect and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak were successfully repaired during surgery.
  • Post-operatively, the patient experienced resolution of pulsatile tinnitus and ear fullness, with residual hearing dysfunction.

Implications:

  • Spontaneous meningoencephalocele in obese patients presents with characteristic symptoms like middle ear effusion and conductive hearing loss.
  • Combined CT and MRI imaging are crucial for accurate preoperative diagnosis.
  • Surgical approaches, including transmastoid or middle cranial fossa repair with multilayered defect closure, are essential to prevent CSF leaks.

More Related Videos

Anteromesial Temporal Lobectomy for Medically Intractable Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: An Operative Study11:29

Anteromesial Temporal Lobectomy for Medically Intractable Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: An Operative Study

Published on: August 15, 2025

Role of Diffusion MRI Tractography in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery09:53

Role of Diffusion MRI Tractography in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery

Published on: July 5, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Cranial and Spinal Meninges01:19

Cranial and Spinal Meninges

The cranial and spinal meninges are complex protective structures surrounding the central nervous system (CNS), consisting of the brain and spinal cord. These meninges consist of the dura mater, the arachnoid mater, and the pia mater. They protect the CNS, provide structural support, and aid in circulating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Cranial Meninges
These meningeal layers cover the cranium. The dura mater is the outermost layer of cranial meninges. It is a thick and durable membrane of dense...
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
Sutures of the Skull01:22

Sutures of the Skull

The human skull is composed of several bones that come together to protect the brain and support the structures of the face. The junctions where these bones meet are called sutures.
Sutures are immobile joints between adjacent bones of the skull. The narrow gap between the bones is filled with dense, fibrous connective tissue that unites the bones. The long sutures located between the skull bones are not straight but instead follow irregular, tightly twisting paths. These twisting lines tightly...
Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction01:14

Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction

Intracranial hypertension is a sustained elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) above 22 mm Hg. In supine adults, normal ICP is ~7–15 mm Hg.The rigid, nonexpandable cranium contains three components—brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—that total ~1,700 mL in a typical adult: 1,400 mL brain (~80%), 150 mL blood (~10%), and 150 mL CSF (~10%). According to the Monro–Kellie doctrine, total intracranial volume is effectively fixed. When one component expands, CSF and venous blood...
Anatomy of the Brain: Ventricles01:18

Anatomy of the Brain: Ventricles

There are hollow fluid-filled cavities known as ventricles deep inside the human brain. There are two lateral ventricles, one in each cerebral hemisphere, and each has three different projections — the anterior, inferior, and posterior horns visible from the lateral side. A thin membrane called the septum pellucidum separates the two lateral ventricles. The slender third ventricle in the diencephalon is connected to each lateral ventricle via a channel called the interventricular foramen. The...
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology01:22

Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology

Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...