Nasal encephalocele following ignored trauma- treated by endoscopic excision with skull base defect repair

Abstract

Encephalocele is most commonly a defect in the neural tube characterised by herniation of the brain and the membranes in form of protusions that cover it through openings in the skull. It is mostly congenital but can be acquired following trauma. It usually presents with cerebrospinal fluid leak, which may get overlooked because of their subtle or intermittent course. High level of suspicion is required for early diagnosis and treatment. We hereby present a rare scenario, the patient presented more than 12 years after trauma with complaint of unilateral nasal blockage and discharge. The diagnostic investigations and treatment options are discussed. Patient was treated by endonasal endoscopic resection of mass and multilayered repair of skull base defect and is without recurrence in last more than 1 year follow up.