Lymphangioma of the skull base bones leading to cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea

J Neurosurg Pediatr. 2008 Oct;2(4):273-6. doi: 10.3171/PED.2008.2.10.276.

Abstract

Lymphangioma localized to the bones of the skull base is rare. The authors report herein the case of a 5-year-old boy who presented with lymphangioma of the bone, localized to the skull base and leading to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea with meningitis. Neuroimaging demonstrated lytic destruction with a cyst in the right middle skull base. The patient was successfully treated with resection of the tumor and prevention of CSF leakage. Histopathological examination revealed a lymphangioma. An enlarging lymphangioma can lead to bone destruction. A differential diagnosis of a lytic lesion for a cyst at the skull base is important for proper case management.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea / etiology*
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea / prevention & control
  • Child, Preschool
  • Humans
  • Lymphangioma / complications*
  • Lymphangioma / pathology
  • Lymphangioma / surgery
  • Male
  • Skull Base Neoplasms / complications*
  • Skull Base Neoplasms / pathology
  • Skull Base Neoplasms / surgery