Abstract

Background: An esthesioneuroblastoma or olfactory neuroblastoma is a rare nasosinusal tract tumor developed at the expense of the olfactory neuroepithelium, the first case of which was described in the literature in 1924 by Berger et al. The management of this tumor is reserved for experienced surgical teams and no recommendations are available, the experience of each center being limited due to the rarity of this tumor. In this article, we report on our experience in one case.
Case report: A 65-year-old patient was brought to the emergency room for a seizure with post-critical coma in whom the history revealed a frontal syndrome associated with helmet headaches and hallucinations. Imaging allowed us to make the diagnosis of esthesioneuroblastoma. He was treated surgically by a mixed neurosurgeryotorhinolaryngology team. The removal was complete and followed by radiochemotherapy according to the STUPP protocol. Anatomopathology concluded the diagnosis of high-grade III and IV olfactory neuroblastoma. The clinical evolution of the patient postoperatively is favorable although vertigo persists.
Conclusion: An esthesioneuroblastoma is a rare tumor with mostly poor symptomatology even in cases of extensive intracranial invasion. Treatment is based essentially on the most complete surgery possible followed by radio-chemotherapy.

Keywords

esthesioneuroblastoma, diagnosis, Guadeloupe