Transsellar transsphenoidal encephalocele: a case report

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Endocrinology
• Skull Base Surgery

Background:

• Basal encephaloceles represent a rare subset of congenital brain herniations, comprising approximately 1.5% of all encephalocele cases.
• Transsellar transsphenoidal encephaloceles are exceptionally uncommon variants within the spectrum of basal encephaloceles, involving protrusion through the sella turcica and sphenoid sinus.
• These conditions can present with complex neurological and endocrine deficits, necessitating specialized diagnostic and management strategies.

Observation:

• The study presents a rare clinical case of a transsellar transsphenoidal encephalocele.
• The patient's specific anatomical challenges and presenting symptoms are detailed, highlighting the diagnostic difficulties associated with this rare entity.
• Imaging findings and clinical manifestations indicative of the encephalocele's location and extent are described.

Findings:

• A rare case of transsellar transsphenoidal encephalocele was successfully managed.
• The transnasal transseptal approach provided a minimally invasive and effective surgical route for encephalocele repair.
• This surgical technique allowed for direct access to the defect while preserving surrounding neurovascular structures.

Implications:

• The successful application of the transnasal transseptal approach in this rare case expands the surgical armamentarium for basal encephaloceles.
• This minimally invasive technique may offer advantages over traditional open approaches, potentially reducing morbidity and improving patient outcomes.
• Further research into the efficacy and long-term results of endoscopic skull base surgery for rare encephaloceles is warranted.