Inflammatory Pseudotumor of the Skull Base

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Inflammatory pseudotumor is an idiopathic, non-neoplastic mass lesion with few cases reported in the literature involving only the skull base and related structures. Imaging of skull-base pseudotumors shows characteristics similar to that of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and lymphoma, thereby requiring a biopsy to exclude malignancy. Surgical versus medical management relates to the location of the mass, the extent of bony invasion, and the involvement of corresponding anatomic structures. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed with inflammatory pseudotumor of the skull base from a single tertiary care institution over a five-year period. RESULTS: Five cases of skull-base pseudotumor have been identified and followed from one to four years. In our clinical experience, maintenance oral corticosteroids have proven effective in improving symptoms and significantly reducing radiologic tumor dimensions. CONCLUSION: Inflammatory pseudotumor of the skull base is a challenging diagnosis due to its occult anatomic location, vague associated symptoms, and nonspecific histology. Low-dose oral corticosteroids are often very effective in management.