SPHENOIDAL ENCEPHALOCELE OF TEMPORAL LOBE THROUGH STERNBERG CANAL

Abstract

INTRODUCTION-Spontaneous CSF Rhinorrhea with encephalocele restricted to sphenoid sinus is a rare  clinical finding. STERNBERG CANAL is a congenital defect along the lateral wall of sphenoid sinus. CASE REPORT-We present a case report of 36 year old female with complaints of occasional watery nasal discharge for 4 years with no history of trauma or previous surgeries. Diagnostic nasal endoscopy revealed a polypoidal mass along sphenoethmoidal recess. Preoperatively histopathological study proved as NASAL GLIOMA. Peroperatively lesion was found to originate from a defect along the lateral wall of sphenoid sinus. Surgery and CSF closure done. Peroperative biopsy was proven to be ENCEPHALOCOELE. Post-op prognosis is good.    CONCLUSION- Encephalocoele within the lateral recess of sphenoid sinus is a rare entity and must be suspected in case of spontaneous CSF leak. Surgical closure is mandatory to avoid the complications such as meningitis and    pneumocephalus.