Giant fronto-spheno-orbitary juvenile psammomatoid ossifying fibroma: case report and literature review

Abstract

Juvenile psammomatoid ossifying fibroma (JPOF) is an osteofibrous neoplasm that originates in the craniofacial skeleton typically during the first three decades of life. JPOFs usually involve the orbit, paranasal sinuses or the jaws. Extensive involvement of the anterior cranial base with compromised visual function is a rare phenomenon. In such clinical context, a definite diagnosis can only be made on the basis of histopathological findings, given the absence of pathognomonic radiological features. Despite being considered a benign entity, JPOFs present a locally aggressive behavior. Therefore, these neoplasms must be included in the differential diagnosis in every patient harboring a skull base osteofibrous lesion and, once diagnosed, gross total surgical removal should be attempted. In this study we present our experience in the diagnosis and treatment of a patient diagnosed with a giant JPOF involving the cranial base.