Inflammatory pseudotumor of the cavernous sinus and skull base

Abstract

Inflammatory pseudotumor is a non-neoplastic process of unknown etiology characterized by a proliferation of connective tissue with an inflammatory infiltrate. Intracranial inflammatory pseudotumors classically involve the cavernous sinus but can also occur in the supratentorial or infratentorial compartments and spinal canal. Symptoms are dependent on location, and, when present in the cavernous sinus, typically include cranial nerve palsies of those nerves in the cavernous sinus. These lesions are rapidly responsive to steroid therapy. Surgery is typically indicated for biopsy only, but complete resection may be justified for lesions outside the cavernous sinus.