A method of treatment for persisting cerebellar encephalocele of the temporal bone

Abstract

Temporal lobe herniation or meningoencephaloceles through the tegmen bone are rare entities but are well-described lesions in the literature. They can be successfully approached through the middle fossa alone or combined with a transmastoid approach, and are repaired with fascia, bone, or cartilage. However, cerebellar encephaloceles penetrating the posterior fossa dural plate and presenting as pulsatile postauricular mass are rare. In this paper, we report successful treatment of a cerebellar encephalocele by cranialization of the mastoid cavity using a calvarial bone graft and closure of the external auditory canal. A prior suboccipital approach, as recommended by others, had failed. The patient has remained well for 1 year with no recurrence.