Treatment of a Large Traumatic Encephalocele with Titanium Mesh

Abstract

Encephalocele is defined as protrusion of cranial contents beyond the normal confines of the skull. Although most encephalocele cases have a congenital etiology, fractures of the skull base can cause traumatic encephalocele. In most encephalocele cases, the bone defect presents reduced dimensions and the endoscopic treatment is generally performed to reconstruct the area using mucosal and/or fat grafts. This article sought to report on a rare case of traumatic encephalocele associated with an extensive defect of the anterior skull base. This case was treated via transcranial access, and reconstruction was performed using titanium mesh in conjunction with a pericranium flap.