Glial Heterotopia or Ectopic Brain Masquerading as a Dacyrocystocele

Abstract

Glial heterotopia is an extremely rare clinical entity mostly presenting in head and neck region secondary to an abnormal development of an isolated mature central nervous system (CNS) tissue at an abnormal location without any continuity with the brain, spinal cord, or meninges. Its origin is either due to mechanical isolation of glial tissues by the developing cranial bones or secondary to misdirected or sequestered embryonic neuroectodermal stem cells outside the CNS. The authors present an exceptionally rare case of a heterotopic glial nodule masquerading as a dacryocystocele, its radiological features along with a brief clinicopathological correlation.

Retroperitoneal ectopic brain: Case report and literature review

“…Encephaloceles or meningoencephaloceles are protrusions of cranial contents through an osseous defect, and they show a communication between the lesion and the subarachnoid space or ventricular system. Teratomas are composed of mature tissues derived from at least two, but usually three embryonic layers …”

“…As for the prognosis, they are considered to be benign lesions with a limited growth potential . However, incomplete resection can lead to recurrences and isolated cases of malignant transformation have been described …”

“…Teratomas are composed of mature tissues derived from at least two, but usually three embryonic layers. 1,12 As for the prognosis, they are considered to be benign lesions with a limited growth potential. 1,5 However, incomplete resection can lead to recurrences and isolated cases of malignant transformation have been described.…”

“…Heterotopia or choristoma is a term referring to the presence of normal tissue in an abnormal location . Heterotopic neural tissue (HNT) has been identified in many sites.…”

“…K E Y W O R D S ectopic brain, ectopic neural tissue, fine-needle aspiration cytology, glial heterotopia, retroperitoneum 1 | I N TR ODU C TI ON Heterotopia or choristoma is a term referring to the presence of normal tissue in an abnormal location. 1 Heterotopic neural tissue (HNT) has been identified in many sites. Most cases occur in head and neck region and consist of glial tissue (nasal glioma or nasal glial heterotopia).…”