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Transalar sphenoidal encephalocele. A case report
E Jurkiewicz1, I Pakula-Kosciesza, J Walecki
1MR Unit, The Children's Memorial Health Institute; Warsaw, Poland - e-jurkiewicz@o2.pl - e-jurkiewicz@hotmail.com.
The Neuroradiology Journal
|December 5, 2013
Summary
Basal sphenoidal encephaloceles, a rare skull defect, can occur for various reasons. This case highlights an unusual instance of this condition protruding into the pterygoid fossa.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Skull Base Surgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Cranial encephalocele classification depends on the skull defect's anatomical location.
- Basal sphenoidal encephaloceles are the least common type, with diverse etiologies including congenital, traumatic, tumoral, or spontaneous origins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report an extremely rare case of basal sphenoidal encephalocele.
- To describe its unique presentation through a defect in the sphenoid bone's greater wing.
Main Methods:
- Case report presentation.
- Review of relevant literature on basal sphenoidal encephaloceles.
Main Results:
- A rare case of basal sphenoidal encephalocele was identified.
- The encephalocele protruded through a defect in the greater wing of the sphenoid bone, extending into the pterygoid fossa.
Conclusions:
- Basal sphenoidal encephaloceles, though rare, can present through unusual skull base defects.
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare pathologies in skull base abnormalities.
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