Transsphenoidal extension of heterotopic glioneuronal tissue: pathoanatomic considerations in symptomatic neonates

Abstract

Transsphenoidal glioneuronal heterotopia should be the top differential diagnosis in MR imaging if a non-enhancing nasopharyngeal mass of an infant extends through a craniopharyngeal cleft within the intersphenoid synchondrosis.

Nasopharyngeal glial heterotopia with delayed postoperative meningitis

“…The bony defect was covered with a mucosal flap during the surgery performed on the ninth day of life, and postoperative meningitis was not seen. Kau et al reported two cases of neuroglial heterotopia in the nasopharynx presenting as transsphenoidal extension of hypothalamic hamartoma through the sphenoid bone 10. Although the intracranial mass lesion was not demonstrated in our case, the neuroradiological features of the connection in this case were quite similar to those of the cases reported by Kau et al 10.…”

“…Kau et al reported two cases of neuroglial heterotopia in the nasopharynx presenting as transsphenoidal extension of hypothalamic hamartoma through the sphenoid bone 10. Although the intracranial mass lesion was not demonstrated in our case, the neuroradiological features of the connection in this case were quite similar to those of the cases reported by Kau et al 10. Intracranial origin of the connection was in the right optic nerve, which was adjacent to the hypothalamic area.…”