Abstract
Encephaloceles are herniation of cranial content arising from a skull defect. Encephaloceles of the lateral wall of the sphenoid sinus (ELWSS) are uncommon events. In most cases, these cranial hernias are secondary to trauma and craniofacial surgery. Spontaneous forms are evenrarer and not well understood. The most adopted hypothesis is a persisting Sternberg’s canal, an embryonic remnant connecting the middle cranial fossa and the nasopharynx. ELWSS are usually revealed by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Diagnosis of this disease necessitates quick management due to the potential of lethal complications such as meningitis. We report the case of a spontaneous ELWSS in a 53-year-old woman revealed by CSF leak which was successfully managed with a conventional transcranial approach. We focus on the clinical aspect and pathogenesis of the disease, and discuss the main possible surgical approaches.
 Keywords: Spontaneous encephalocele, Sphenoid sinus, CSF leak, Transcranial approach
Highlights
Cranial encephaloceles are herniation of cranial content arising from a defect of the anterior, posterior or middle cranial fossae
We report an illustrative case of spontaneous ELWSS in a 53-year-old woman revealed by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea, which was managed by a classical transcranial approach
We describe the clinical aspect of the ELWSS and its possible pathogenesis
Summary
Summary Encephaloceles are herniation of cranial content arising from a skull defect. Encephaloceles of the lateral wall of the sphenoid sinus (ELWSS) are uncommon events. In most cases, these cranial hernias are secondary to trauma and craniofacial surgery. ELWSS are usually revealed by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Diagnosis of this disease necessitates quick management due to the potential of lethal complications such as meningitis. We report the case of a spontaneous ELWSS in a 53year-old woman revealed by CSF leak which was successfully managed with a conventional transcranial approach. We focus on the clinical aspect and pathogenesis of the disease, and discuss the main possible surgical approaches
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