Cambridge Journals Online

Clinical Records

Jugular foramen meningocoele in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1

A Siddiquia1 c1, S Connora1 and M Gleesona2 a1 Department of Neuroradiology, Kings College Hospital, London, UK a2 Department of Otolaryngology, Guys Hospital, London, UK

Article author query siddiqui a   connor s   gleeson m

Abstract

Objective: We present a rare case of a jugular foramen meningocoele in a 48-year-old female, with neurofibromatosis type 1, presenting with positional vertigo. We also postulate possible underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.

Method: We describe the imaging findings of this rare entity and review the literature on skull base meningocoeles, particularly in the context of neurofibromatosis type 1.

Results: A computed tomography scan revealed smooth expansion of the jugular foramen. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a fluid filled lesion expanding the jugular foramen and communicating with cerebrospinal fluid of the cerebellomedullary cistern superiorly.

Conclusion: Skull base meningocoeles are a rare entity and we believe that this is the first reported case of a meningocoele causing enlargement of the jugular foramen in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1. The meningocoele may have resulted from a severe form of dural ectasia or from dysplastic, weakened bone at the skull base.

(Accepted January 21 2007)

(Online publication April 16 2007)

Key Words: Meningocele; Skull Base; Neurofibromatosis Type 1; Jugular Foramen; Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Correspondence:

^c1 Address for correspondence: A Siddiqui, Department of Neuroradiology, Ruskin wing, Kings College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS, UK. Fax: 44 (0)2032993120 E-mail: dratasiddiqui@yahoo.com

Footnotes

Dr A Siddiqui takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper.

Competing interests: None declared