CSF Rhinorrhoea with Encephalocele through Sternberg’s Canal: Our Experience

Abstract

Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea with encephalocele restricted to the sphenoid sinus is rare clinical finding. As of today, only 17 cases encephalocele protruding through the Sternberg's canal and extending into the lateral recess of sphenoid sinus, have been described in literature. Patients presenting with this special clinical entity usually do not have any history of trauma, tumour or iatrogenic injury. Thus the lesions are considered to originate from a congenital bony defect in the lateral wall of the sphenoid sinus, first described by Sternberg in 1888 as the lateral craniopharyngeal canal (Sternberg's canal). In our experience each patient of spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea should have suspicion of intrasphenoid encephalocele though cribriform plate is a common site. Endoscopic tranasnasal approach is one of the best modalities for such cases.

Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea with meningoencephalocele related to Sternberg’s canal: A report of two cases

“…Rhinorrhea and MEC associated with Sternberg's canal are rare. [1][2][3][5][6][7][8][10][11][12][15][16][17] Most cases occurred in adults, and some presented with headache and meningitis. Many cases were characterized by empty sella and arachnoid villi, in female, middle-aged and obese patients with benign intracranial hypertension.…”

Endoscopic endonasal repair of temporal lobe meningoencephalocele in the lateral recess of the sphenoid sinus, complicated by intracerebral hematoma: illustrative case

“…Patients often experience significant delays in seeking medical attention, either due to prolonged misdiagnosis and treatment for rhinitis or because only active fluid leakage from the nose prompts healthcare professionals to investigate the skull base. 2 , 3 In 1888, Maximilian Sternberg documented the lateral craniopharyngeal canal as a congenital bone defect located in the lateral wall of the sphenoid sinus. This defect arises from incomplete fusion of the greater wings of the sphenoid bone with its posterior and anterior sections during development of the sphenoid sinus.…”