Basal transethmoidal encephalocele and malignant hypertension in a parturient with a seizure disorder. A case report

Nasal encephaloceles are uncommon in North America and may be diagnosed only as incidental findings. The presence of an encephalocele and malignant hypertension in the parturient requires complex coordination of care.

We present a case of severe chronic hypertension in a pregnant patient with a seizure disorder and new finding of a basal transethmoidal encephalocele. She required 5 antihypertensive agents and cesarean delivery at 34 weeks' gestation under general anesthesia. The obstetric and anesthetic management of encephalocele are reviewed.

Nasal encephaloceles are rarely reported in pregnancy and present additional peripartum obstetric and anesthetic considerations that require multidisciplinary planning for optimization of maternal and fetal outcomes.