Spontaneous sphenoid sinus meningocele with associated amenorrhea and headache: illustrative case

J Neurosurg Case Lessons. 2024 Feb 12;7(7):CASE23700. doi: 10.3171/CASE23700. Print 2024 Feb 12.

Abstract

Background: Developmental meningoceles of the sphenoid sinus are uncommon. When encountered, they are often associated with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea.

Observations: The authors present the case of a 27-year-old female with a large meningocele eroding through the sella turcica and sphenoid sinus into the nasopharynx. The patient presented with intractable headaches and amenorrhea without CSF rhinorrhea.

Lessons: The patient underwent an endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal reduction of the meningocele with reelevation of the pituitary gland and skull base reconstruction with abdominal fat graft and nasoseptal flap.

Keywords: congenital; endocrinopathy; meningocele; skull base.