Nasopharyngeal encephalocele: a rare cause of upper airway obstruction

KALKAN G., Paksu S., Asilioglu N., Kilic M.

HONG KONG MEDICAL JOURNAL, vol.19, no.2, pp.186-187, 2013 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 19 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2013
  • Journal Name: HONG KONG MEDICAL JOURNAL
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.186-187
  • Keywords: Airway obstruction, Encephalocele, Respiratory insufficiency, MANAGEMENT
  • Ondokuz Mayıs University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Nasopharyngeal encephalocele is a rare, benign congenital anomaly. It has the potential to be fatal due to airway obstruction. Here, we report on a 34-day-old infant with pneumonia who underwent mechanical ventilation. An upper airway evaluation was performed due to prolonged intubation, and revealed the presence of a nasopharyngeal encephalocele. The patient tolerated extubation and oral feeding after surgical resection of the lesion. Awareness of the condition can help clinicians arrive at an earlier diagnosis and enhance management.