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Spontaneous lateral temporal encephalocele.
Gokhan Tuncbilek1, Mert Calis, Nejat Akalan
1Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery
|January 26, 2013
Summary
This case report details a rare lateral temporal encephalocele in an infant, presenting as a facial mass. Prompt diagnosis and imaging are crucial for managing this congenital abnormality.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Spontaneous encephaloceles arise from embryological errors or unknown postnatal factors causing brain herniation.
- Lateral temporal encephaloceles extending into the infratemporal fossa are exceptionally rare congenital malformations.
Observation:
- A 6-month-old infant presented with a large, cystic mass in the right infratemporal fossa, diagnosed as a temporal encephalocele.
- Imaging revealed an 8x9 cm multiloculated cystic mass without intracranial connection.
- Histopathology confirmed mature glial tissue within the sac.
Findings:
- The case highlights a rare presentation of encephalocele involving the lateral temporal region and infratemporal fossa.
- Surgical intervention was performed to address the mass effect of the growing encephalocele.
- Histopathological analysis confirmed the glial nature of the herniated tissue.
Implications:
- This rare encephalocele variant requires consideration in the differential diagnosis of infantile facial masses.
- Preoperative imaging is essential to rule out intracranial connections and guide surgical management.
- Early recognition and appropriate intervention can prevent complications associated with temporal encephaloceles.
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