Prenatal diagnosis of a nasal glioma

Abstract

Nasal glioma is a rare congenital midline malformation composed of heterotopic masses of neuroglial tissue. We report a case of fetal nasal glioma diagnosed by sonography at 22 weeks' gestation as a vascular hypoechoic mass located on the left nasal bone. Fetal MRI excluded an underlying bone defect. At birth, the lesion appeared as a reddish mass. Post natal imaging confirmed the vascularisation within the lesion with an arterial low-flow velocity and a high-resistance spectrum, consistent with a glioma. The child underwent surgery at 5 months and final diagnosis was made on pathological examination. Therefore, a vascular lesion and a clinical aspect mimicking a haemangioma should not be considered sufficient to reach the final diagnosis.

Prenatal detection and postnatal management of an intranasal glioma

“…In reported cases of prenatally diagnosed nasal glioma, the mass arose externally at the side of the nose [6,9,11]. The detection of intranasal glioma was possible in this case because it had extruded through the nostril.…”

“…Fifteen percent to 20% of nasal gliomas may appear with a fibrous stalk extending toward the skull base with an underlying bony defect [1,8]. Imaging studies are required before incision to rule out bony defects and intracranial connection because of the differences in surgical approach involved [4,8,9].…”

Prenatal diagnosis and management of a craniofacial glioma detected at 20 weeks’ gestation. Case report and review of the literature

“…Previous reported cases of gliomas have all been diagnosed after 21 weeks of gestation 1,5 . Resection of the lesion was performed after 4 months of age without complication.…”

“…Nasal gliomas are rare benign congenital lesion occurring in 1:20,000-40,000 live births, their diagnosis is rarely described prenatally 5 . The authors report a case of nasal glioma that was recently presented to their maxillofacial department.…”

Glial heterotopia of maxilla: A clinical surprise

“…[4] Prenatal diagnosis of nasal glioma is possible with antenatal ultrasonography and fetal MRI, which can be confirmed postnatally. [7] Preoperative evaluation by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging helps in determining the exact extent and location of the mass and to rule out any contiguity with the central nervous system, thereby avoiding any complication like cerebrospinal fluid leakage and meningitis. [1] Biopsy or fine needle aspiration is traditionally contraindicated fearing meningitis and removal of any functional brain material.…”