Abstract

SCHMIDT P, Thomas et al. Cystic lesions in midline of anterior skull base. Rev. Otorrinolaringol. Cir. Cabeza Cuello [online]. 2012, vol.72, n.1, pp. 57-67. ISSN 0718-4816.  doi: 10.4067/S0718-48162012000100008.

Cystic lesions in the midline of the anterior skull base are rare and mostly congenital malformations. Usually asymptomatic, symptoms can be determined by their growth and/or mechanical compromise on adjacent structures. The diagnosis is usually the result of imaging or endoscopic findings, MRI is the best alternative for the initial diagnostic approach. These cystic lesions are benign xx and not all require a surgical management. Some of them require a watchfull follow up. If they need surgery the expanded endoscopic approach is the method of choice in our hands. We present a case series, correspondent to five patients with cystic lesions in the midline of the skull base. All these were successfully managed by an extended endoscopic approach. Finally, we presented a proposal for initial diagnosis approach, based on the MRI findings of these lesions.

Keywords : Cyst skull base; Rathke pouch; Craniopharyngioma; Thornwald cyst; Neurenteric cyst; meningoceles.