Meningoencephalocele refers to a condition caused by congenital defects in the orbital wall, where intracranial contents—including brain tissue, meninges, and cerebrospinal fluid—protrude into the orbit, leading to clinical symptoms and signs. When the protrusion involves only the meninges, it is referred to as meningocele.
Clinical Manifestations
Clinical symptoms and signs are present at birth. In cases where the lesion is located in the anterior orbit, a soft, smooth-surfaced mass is often palpable near the inner canthus or nasal root. This mass is pulsatile, with pulsations synchronized with the heartbeat. Compression of the mass may cause it to shift inward into the cranial cavity and can sometimes result in symptoms such as diminished pulse or nausea. Lesions located in the posterior orbit are less likely to present with a palpable mass but may cause proptosis with pulsation, though there are no vascular bruits. CT imaging often reveals defects in the orbital bone wall. Other congenital anomalies may also be present in affected children.
Treatment
Treatment typically involves combined neurosurgical intervention.