Ecchordosis physaliphora: a cautionary tale

J Laryngol Otol. 2020 Jan;134(1):46-51. doi: 10.1017/S0022215119002512. Epub 2019 Dec 20.

Abstract

Background: Ecchordosis physaliphora is a congenital, benign lesion originating from notochordal remnants along the craniospinal axis, most frequently located at the level of the clivus and sacrum. Sometimes ecchordosis physaliphora is difficult to recognise and treat, with a total of twenty-six cases described in the literature.

Methods: This study reports on three cases of previously undiagnosed ecchordosis physaliphora presenting with cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea and meningitis.

Conclusion: Endoscopic transclival or transsphenoid surgery including three-layer (fat, fascia and nasoseptal flap) reconstruction was used in all cases with complete resolution of the symptoms.

Keywords: Cerebrospinal Fluid; Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhoea; Meningitis; Notochord.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea / etiology*
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea / surgery
  • Endoscopy
  • Female
  • Hamartoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Hamartoma / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Meningitis / etiology*
  • Meningitis / surgery
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurosurgical Procedures
  • Notochord / diagnostic imaging
  • Notochord / pathology
  • Notochord / surgery