Intranasal Neuroglial Heterotopia

Abstract

THE DIFFERENTIAL diagnosis of intranasal masses in children includes a long list of infrequently encountered lesions once nasal polyp is excluded from consideration. The list includes cysts (sebaceous, dermoid, epidermoid, ethmoid, and those of the lacrimal duct apparatus) which are of ectodermal origin, as are nasal polyps. In addition, tumors of mesodermal origin such as hemangioma and lipoma may occur. Neurogenic tumors are occasionally found, ie, meningocele, encephalocele, neurofibroma, and nasal glioma. Finally, teratoma and abscesses should be included.1 Congenital intranasal neuroglial heterotopia, commonly referred to as nasal glioma, presented in a 5-year-old boy. The lesion, masquerading as a nasal polyp, is the subject of this report. Report of Case A 5-year-old white boy was referred to the Otolaryngology Service, US Army Hospital at Fort Campbell for evaluation of an intranasal mass obstructing the right nasal chamber. The mass had first been noted seven months earlier and had been