Conservative management of transnasal intracranial injury

• Published in: American journal of otolaryngology 2011-03, Vol.32 (2), p.165-167
• Main Authors: Bai, Weiliang, PhD, MD, Shao, Chunbo, PhD, MD, Sun, Wenyue, PhD, Ha, Patrick K., MD, Califano, Joseph A., MD, Cao, Zhiwei, PhD, MD
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Accidental Falls; Biological and medical sciences; Child, Preschool; Ethmoid Sinus - diagnostic imaging; Ethmoid Sinus - injuries; Female; Foreign Bodies - complications; Foreign Bodies - diagnostic imaging; Foreign Bodies - therapy; Humans; Injuries; Medical imaging; Medical sciences; Nasal Cavity - diagnostic imaging; Nasal Cavity - injuries; Nose; Otolaryngology; Otorhinolaryngology. Stomatology; Radiography; Sinuses; Skull Base - diagnostic imaging; Skull Base - injuries; Skull Fractures - diagnostic imaging; Skull Fractures - therapy; Surgery; Treatment Outcome; Wounds, Penetrating - diagnostic imaging; Wounds, Penetrating - therapy
• ISSN: 0196-0709; 1532-818X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2009.11.005

Abstract The purpose of this study was to explore the conservative management for an unusual case of transnasal intracranial injury. A 3-year-old female child presenting with transnasal injuries after a domestic accident whereby she apparently fell while holding a large pair of scissors, which then penetrated her left nasal cavity, piercing her nasal cavity, ethmoid sinus, and skull base. The scissors were removed from her nasal cavity. The patient had scant cerebrospinal rhinorrhea and no other additional neurologic deficits noted at the time, as well as no long-term developmental deficits. This report highlights the occurrence of this rare condition. The role of radiologic studies such as computed tomographic scans and plain films in diagnosis and management of this case is affirmed. The strategy of minimally invasive treatment of this injury can be a reasonable treatment option.