Post-Traumatic Fronto-Ethmoidal and Orbital Encephalocele – A Rare Entity

Abstract

In the present era of increasing road-traffic accidents, facial trauma of variable severity is being frequently encountered involving the orbits and sinuses. Post-traumatic, fronto-ethmoidal and orbital encephaloceles are rare entities requiring early intervention to prevent complications. Cross-sectional imaging by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging play a pivotal role in early detection of these entities. Hence in this article, we are describing a rare case of post-traumatic encephalocele with fronto-ethmoidal and orbital components with its clinical presentation which was diagnosed confidently by magnetic resonance imaging affecting the final management.

Late Surgical Management Of A Rare Case Of Post-traumatic Orbital Encephalocele

“…They are classifi ed according to the anatomic region of the bone defect as occipital, head-dome, fronto-ethmoidal and basal. When there is orbital extension, it is known as orbital encephalocele 5 . This classifi cation is important for surgical approach.…”

“…Post-traumatic encephaloceles can be iatrogenic or secondary to blunt craniofacial trauma. Encephaloceles following trauma may present clinically as CSF rhinorrhea within days to months following trauma and can be associated with risk of meningitis, which may develop up to 3-8 months post-trauma 5 .…”