Transethmoidal encephalocele endoscopically treated in a newborn: a case report

Childs Nerv Syst. 2021 Apr;37(4):1333-1337. doi: 10.1007/s00381-020-04669-5. Epub 2020 Jun 9.

Abstract

Congenital encephalocele is a very rare entity, with herniation of normal brain or gliotic tissue through a defect in the skull. The objective is to present a newborn child diagnosed with transethmoidal encephaloceles at birth. She developed respiratory problems, feeding difficulties, and failure to thrive since the first days of life and so required early surgery at her 33th day of life, through an endoscopic nasal approach. Technical difficulties encountered, complications, and management are discussed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of endoscopic treatment of transethmoidal encephalocele in a newborn. Further studies are needed to understand the best way to repair the dural defect in this rare condition.

Keywords: Encephalocele; Endoscopic approach; Newborn; Transethmoidal encephalocele.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Encephalocele* / diagnostic imaging
  • Encephalocele* / surgery
  • Endoscopy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Skull*