Enhancing Mass Lesion of the Sphenoid: Atypical Presentation of Ongoing Pneumatization

Sinus pneumatization is a complex variable process that begins in early life and continues for many years. We present a case of a 6-year-old boy with progressive headaches and neurologic symptoms suggestive of intracranial pathology. The presence of enhancing tissue within the sphenoid sinus created...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Deepak Vallabhaneni, Anthony Mohamed, Zain Badar, Rajiv Mangla
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Hindawi Limited 2016-01-01
Series:Case Reports in Pediatrics
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2016/2862010
Description
Summary:Sinus pneumatization is a complex variable process that begins in early life and continues for many years. We present a case of a 6-year-old boy with progressive headaches and neurologic symptoms suggestive of intracranial pathology. The presence of enhancing tissue within the sphenoid sinus created a diagnostic dilemma which leads to a transsphenoidal biopsy. Knowledge of imaging characteristics associated with incomplete pneumatization can help differentiate it from more ominous skull base pathology and prevent unnecessary testing. We describe four-year imaging follow-up in a patient with incomplete pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus presenting as an enhancing mass lesion with subsequent follow-up imaging demonstrating gradual regression and increased aeration of the sphenoid sinus.
ISSN:2090-6803
2090-6811