Encephalomalacia in the frontal lobe: complication of the endoscopic sinus surgery
Emin Karaman1, Huseyin Isildak, Mehmet Yilmaz
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Cerrahpasa Medical School, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.
Abstract:
Encephalomalacia is the softening or loss of brain tissue after cerebral infarction, cerebral ischemia, infection, craniocerebral trauma, or other injury. The term is usually used during gross pathologic inspection to describe blurred cortical margins and decreased consistency of brain tissue after infarction. Multicystic encephalomalacia refers to the formation of multiple cystic cavities of various sizes in the cerebral cortex of neonates and infants after injury, most notably perinatal hypoxic-ischemic events. Chronic sinusitis has become one of the most common diseases in otolaryngology practice. Many of these patients can be managed successfully with medical therapy. Those who fail intensive medical therapy may be candidates for functional endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). This procedure has variable complication rates and can have some serious consequences. Serious complications of functional ESS are very rare, but cerebrospinal fluid leak, meningitis, hemorrhage, infection, or vision loss has been reported in a few cases. In this study, we present a 57-year-old man with encephalomalacia after a penetrating brain injury incurred during ESS.
Insights
Encephalomalacia, brain tissue loss, can occur after injury. This case study details a rare instance of encephalomalacia following functional endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Otolaryngology
- Pathology
Background:
- Encephalomalacia is brain tissue softening post-injury.
- Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) treats chronic sinusitis but carries rare risks.
- Complications of ESS include CSF leak, meningitis, hemorrhage, infection, or vision loss.
Observation:
- This study reports on a 57-year-old male patient.
- The patient sustained a penetrating brain injury during ESS.
- This injury resulted in encephalomalacia.
Findings:
- The case highlights a rare complication of ESS.
- Penetrating brain injury during ESS can lead to encephalomalacia.
- This underscores the importance of meticulous surgical technique.
Implications:
- This case expands the known spectrum of ESS complications.
- It emphasizes the need for vigilance regarding potential neurological sequelae after ESS.
- Further research may explore preventative strategies for such injuries.
Related Concept Videos
Encephalitis l: Introduction
Brain Abscess l: Introduction
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology
Hepatic Encephalopathy
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology


