Encefalocele fronto-etmoidal

Introduction: Encephalocele is a Central Nervous System congenital malformation characterized by herniation of brain tissue due to changes in the neural tube. Its intranasal form, encephalocele can be confused with other diseases mimicking many other signs and symptoms, contributing for many years of misdiagnosis. Some patients present with worsened clinical symptoms which may vary from repeated meningitis to brain abscesses, which may culminate with poor prognosis. Case report: Male patient, 44 years-old, reported a four years history of presence of a clear, odorless liquid secretion unilaterally to the right nostril, usually diagnosed as episodes of unilateral rhinitis and / or nasal polyps. MRI and CT scans of the facial sinuses showed a frontoethmoidal encephalocele. The patient was submitted to video-assisted surgery. Discussion: Early diagnosis is the best option forthese patients, and surgical treatment is always indicated. The choice of treatment method should always look for the one that offers better results with less possible morbidity: we believe that endoscopic surgery is an excellent choice due to its high success rates and relative less morbidity when compared to traditional surgery. Conclusion: Functional endoscopic sinus surgery, with access to the skull base, was an excellent therapeutic option for the reported case.