Congenital midline nasofrontal mass. Two case reports with a clinical review

Abstract

Because of aberrant embryologic development, encephalocele, nasal dermoid, and glioma may present as a nasofrontal midline mass in a newborn infant. Though uncommon, vascular malformation or hemangioma in the nasofrontal region may present similarly. The correct diagnosis and early management of a nasofrontal mass is imperative because complications such as brain herniation, hypertelorism, or cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea may ensue, resulting in poor facial or visual development, recurrent meningitis, and brain abscess. Nasofrontal encephalocele and midline frontal vascular malformation are rare congenital abnormalities presenting as a midline nasofrontal mass. We report two neonatal cases, one a frontoethmoidal encephalocele and another, a frontal vascular malformation. Both had uncomplicated surgical interventions. The physical findings and clinical review are presented. The diagnostic approach toward midline nasofrontal mass is discussed.