Nasal Glioma: A Rare Cause of Congenital Inner Canthal Swelling

Abstract

Nasal glioma, encephalocele, and ectopic brain are rare congenital anomalies. The terminology applied to these entities has been historically confusing. In many cases, the terms overlap and may be employed synonymously although some authors emphasize their differences. The authors describe herein a child with an inner canthal mass of brain-like tissue that they interpret as nasal glioma, a variety of encephalocele that has lost its connection to the intracranial contents. This research was conducted in conformity with the Helsinki Declaration and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act regulations.

Prenatal Diagnosis of a Facial Teratoma. A Proposed Approach to Diagnose Prenatal Facial Anomalies

“…Disruption of the frontal bone is always seen in the setting of a frontal encephalocele. 10,11 A lymphangioma 12 can appear as a multicystic infiltrating tumor. A teratoma 3,4,5 may displace and distort the surrounding tissue.…”

“…An epulis 7 originates from the alveolar ridge. A frontal encephalocele 10,11 and nasal glioma 11 are both thought to be a consequence of protruding intracranial structures through a bony defect (embryologic foramen cecum). A nasal glioma 11 might thereby present at a later stage with loss of its intracranial connection and closure of the bone.…”

“…A frontal encephalocele 10,11 and nasal glioma 11 are both thought to be a consequence of protruding intracranial structures through a bony defect (embryologic foramen cecum). A nasal glioma 11 might thereby present at a later stage with loss of its intracranial connection and closure of the bone. A teratoma, [3][4][5] osteoma, 13,14 hamartoma 15 or haemangioma 16 can occur anywhere on the face, and a teratoma [3][4][5] can thereby displace the surrounding structures.…”

“…A teratoma [3][4][5] (including epignathus 7 ) can present as a mixed solid-cystic structure containing cells from the 3 germ cell layers (primarily containing bone, fat and hair). An epulis, 9 a hamartoma, 15 an encephalocele, [10][11] a nasal glioma 11 will present as a solid, soft tissue lesion. An osteoma 13,14 is recognized by its echogenic bony growth, whereas a dacrocystocoele, 17 lymphangioma 12 or a ranula 19,20 are cystic structures.…”

“…How does the tumor relate to the brain, and is there any evidence of associated brain abnormalities? A frontal encephalocele 10,11 communicates with the brain and associated brain abnormalities can occur. A skin tag 21,22 may be associated with midline brain anomalies (eg, lipoma of the corpus callosum).…”