Ectopic Brain Tissue in a Child: A Case of Ectopic Brain Tissue in the Nasophaynx in Thailand

Abstract

Brain heterotopia is a benign tumor composed of differentiated neural tissue that is located outside the cranial vault. This condition is uncommon and presents as a congenital pharyngeal mass. Here, we report a case of neuroepithelial heterotopia in the nasopharyngeal area of a six-month-old boy who presented with cleft palate and stridor. The tumor demonstrated aggressive growth with oropharyngeal involvement. Radiologic finding revealed a large heterogeneous enhancement on the left side of the nasopharynx, involving the uvula, left lateral pharyngeal wall, and left tonsil. No connection to the brain or spinal cord was apparent on imaging. Histologic features included presence of neuroglial heterotopias, composed predominately of glial cells in a surrounding neurofibrillary matrix. Surgery was the selected intervention, with wide excision performed via cleft palate. Previously published literature relevant to this case were reviewed and discussed. Recurrence is common in incomplete resection, although there was no evidence of recurrence at the two-year follow-up in this patient.