Craniofacial Fibrous Dysplasia of the Sphenoid in a 42-Year-Old Adult Female: A Case Report

Introduction: Fibrous dysplasia is a benign fibro-osseous pathology characterized by a gradual substitution of the normal bone structure. It is more common during the first two decades of life and is apportioned in two categories of involvement, that is, monostotic (one bone) and poliostotic (multiple bones). In its craniofacial presentation two sites are shared which are maxilla and mandible.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to present a rare case of monostotic sphenoid fibrous dysplasia and to focus on the importance of the knowledge of this disease—specially its radiological and clinical aspects—to get into a clearly defined diagnosis.

Resumed Report: A 42-year-old female patient (S. A. S. D.) presented to our service with a 2-week history of left progressive otalgia. No similar previous clinical manifestations were related and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories and antibiotics without improvement were previously made. Considering a normal physical examination and a lack of symptomatologies were guided auditory tests that revealed noise-induced hearing loss. After 4 months, the patient started a facial pain associated with headache. A cranial computerized tomography and scintigraphy were made. Sclerotic lesions of the left sphenoid bone and its isolated capture were demonstrated. Follow-up of the patient showed no significant symptomatologies. New radiological images did not show increasing lesions. Thus, no chirurgical intervention was indicated and periodic follow-ups are maintained.

Conclusion: A proper radiological images interpretation and a great knowledge of fibrous dysplasia clinic are important devices to make an appropriated diagnosis and treatment of its patients.