Nasal Chondromesenchymal Hamartoma in a Child

Abstract

Nasal chondromesenchymal hamartoma (NCMH) is a benign tumor that was described in 1998. The occurrence of this lesion in the nasal cavity of infants and children is especially rare, with only 21 cases reported in the international literature. We report a 12-month-old boy with respiratory distress due to nasal obstruction. Computed tomographic scan and magnetic resonance imaging examination demonstrated a soft-tissue mass obstructing the left nasal cavity. Digital subtraction angiography and preoperative superselective embolization with microparticles were also performed. The tumor was completely resected surgically. Histopathology and immunohistochemical analyses of the tumor disclosed a NCMH. The imaging characteristics of the tumor are described and the radiology literature is reviewed.

Hamartomas from head to toe: an imaging overview

“…They are usually unilateral and often present with solid and cystic components. 17 Calcification is a common finding and has been reported in about 45-50% of the cases on CT (Figure 5a). 17,19 NCMHs have variable enhancement patterns on MRI.…”

“…17 Calcification is a common finding and has been reported in about 45-50% of the cases on CT (Figure 5a). 17,19 NCMHs have variable enhancement patterns on MRI. Owing to their cystic nature, NCMHs are usually isointense and hyperintense on T 1 and T 2 weighted images, respectively ( Figure 5b).…”

“…Imaging studies are useful for assessing the extent of the lesion and involvement of adjacent structures. 16,17 NCMHs are encapsulated masses with poorly defined margins. They are usually unilateral and often present with solid and cystic components.…”

Nasal chondromesenchymal hamartoma: a rare nasal benign tumor

“…[3][4][5] In the literature, NCMHs are invariably diagnosed in infants or in early childhood. [1,2,[6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15] Patients with NCMHs commonly present with an intranasal mass that causes symptoms such as nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea and epistaxis. The symptoms and clinical presentation of the patient are mostly determined by the size and location of tumor.…”

“…Proptosis, enophthalmos or impairment of eye movement can be the presenting symptoms or findings in cases with orbital involvement. [2,6,[9][10][11][12][13][14][16][17][18][19] Intracranial extension of the tumor can result in neurologic manifestations. [2,17] Symptoms or signs such as difficulties in respiration or nourishment, epistaxis, rhinorrhea, middle ear effusion can be encountered due to tumor size and site.…”