Delayed diagnosis and management of a congenital intranasal meningoencephalocele in a 24-year-old male: A case report revisiting the 'bath-plug' technique

Abstract

Background: Intranasal meningoencephalocele is a rare congenital malformation. It is defined by protrusion of cerebral tissue and meninges through a defect in the skull base. Serious complications usually occur in early childhood, however, symptoms occasionally can wait until adulthood.

Case Presentation: We report a case of a 24-year-old male who had a congenital intranasal meningoencephalocele with recurrent episodes of bacterial meningitis. After a delayed diagnosis, he eventually underwent Endoscopic Endonasal Repair of Meningoencephalocele via 'Bath-plug' technique.

Conclusions: To prevent improper management, it is crucial that ENT colleagues, to whom these cases are primarily present, are well informed about this unusual condition. For the purpose of preventing further neurological problems, thorough neuroimaging evaluations and successful surgical repair are important. The 'Bath-plug' technique for anterior skull base cerebrospinal fluid leak repair is effective for a wide range of situations.