Bronchogenic Cyst: Skull Base Lesions with Extracranial Extension

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neurosurgery
• Pathology

Background:

• Intracranial bronchogenic cysts (BCs) are exceptionally rare congenital malformations.
• This case represents the first documented instance of a BC involving the middle and posterior cranial fossae, extending into the infratemporal fossa.

Observation:

• A 38-year-old woman presented with a 2-year history of cranial nerve dysfunction.
• MRI revealed skull base lesions communicating between the middle and posterior fossae.
• Surgical intervention was performed via an infratemporal fossa approach.

Findings:

• Histopathological examination and immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the diagnosis of a bronchogenic cyst.
• The patient experienced partial amelioration of neurological deficits at six months post-surgery.

Implications:

• Intracranial BCs, though rare, must be included in the differential diagnosis of cystic skull base lesions.
• Recognition of BCs with extracranial extension is crucial for appropriate patient management and surgical planning.