Desmoplastic fibroma of the vidian canal in a child: case report

Introduction: To present a case of a child with a desmoplastic fibroma of the vidian canal, compressing the vidian nerve.

Case report: A 12-year-old girl with several years' history of right-sided facial pain was referred to our institution. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scans showed an expansile mass involving the right vidian canal. The patient underwent a complete endoscopic surgical resection aided by the Fusion (TM) ENT navigation system. This was performed through a transnasal, trans-septal, trans-sphenoidal route via the right nostril, and achieved macroscopic clearance with minimal peri-operative morbidity. A biopsy of the lesion showed a fibro-osseous lesion consistent with desmoplastic fibroma.

Conclusion: Diagnosis and resection of this rare lesion at an earlier stage would have avoided delays in resolving the child's disabling pain. This emphasises the importance of early referral of unusual cases to tertiary centres.