Abstract
Anterior encephalocele is unusual neurosurgical condition seen worldwide. We managed two cases of anterior encephalocele: a five-day old neonate that presented with fronto-ethmoidal swelling noticed since birth. Clinical and radiological evaluations (computerised tomography scan) were in keeping with frontoethmoidal encephalocele. The patient had excision and duroplasty via an extracranial-lesional approach. There was excellent post-operative recovery and good cosmetic appearance. The second case was a 6- month-old infant who was diagnosed with ethmoidal encephalocele and congenital hydrocephalus, had ventriculoperitoneal shunt, excision and repair of encephalocele and cranioplasty using autogenous bone graft had remarkable post-operative recovery and was discharged home.
Highlights
Fronto-ethmoidal encephalocele is a congenital malformation characterised by protrusion of intracranial contents through a defect in the skull at the junction of the frontal and ethmoidal bones [1, 2]
The incidence of anterior encephalocele compared to occipital encephalocele is higher in tropical regions like Africa and Asia [1]
Various theories concerning pathogenesis of fronto-ethmoidal encephalocele have been proposed, but the most accepted theorized by Sternberg: states that, the development of fronto-ethmoidal encephalocele could be related to a disturbance in the closure of the rostral neuropore during end of 3rd week of intrauterine life
Summary
Fronto-ethmoidal (anterior) encephalocele is a congenital malformation characterised by protrusion of intracranial contents through a defect in the skull at the junction of the frontal and ethmoidal bones [1, 2]. Various theories concerning pathogenesis of fronto-ethmoidal encephalocele have been proposed, but the most accepted theorized by Sternberg: states that, the development of fronto-ethmoidal encephalocele could be related to a disturbance in the closure of the rostral neuropore during end of 3rd week of intrauterine life. This disturbance leads to sustained adhesions between neuroectoderm and surface ectoderm at the site of final closure between the nasal fields [8]. The objective of this report was to highlight the management outcome of two cases of rarely reported anterior encephalocele seen in our centre
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
