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Idiopathic diffuse erosion of the skull base presenting as cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

P. J. Conboy
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Queens Medical Centre, University Hospital, Nottingham, UK.
I. J. M. Johnson
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Queens Medical Centre, University Hospital, Nottingham, UK.
T. Jaspan
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Queens Medical Centre, University Hospital, Nottingham, UK.
N. S. Jones*
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Queens Medical Centre, University Hospital, Nottingham, UK.
*
Address for correspondence: N. S. Jones, F.R.C.S., Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Queens Medical Centre, University Hospital, NottinghamNG7 2UH.

Abstract

We present an unusual case of generalized erosion of the skull base. We have not found a similar case reported in the world literature. The presenting symptom was spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhoea which arose from a bony defect associated with herniation of the right temporal lobe into the sphenoid sinus. We discuss the management of such a case including imaging of the skull base and the endoscopic repair of the bony defect.

Type
Radiology in Focus
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1998

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