Iatrogenic meningoencephalocele after traumatic perforation of the cribriform plate during nasal intubation of a preterm infant

Abstract

Traumatic iatrogenic meningoencephaloceles infants are rare and there is no consensus on management in the literature. This article presents a case of a meningoencephalocele diagnosed 15 months after a traumatic perforation of the cribriform plate due to a difficult intubation of a preterm infant that was treated by an endoscopic endonasal surgery. A close collaboration between pediatricians and ENT surgeons appears essential for early diagnosis and management. Endoscopic endonasal approach for meningoencephalocele management has several advantages and is a safe procedure when performed by an experienced surgeon.

Keywords: Brain injury; Endoscopic endonasal surgery; Iatrogenic meningoencephalocele; Nasotracheal intubation; Preterm infant.