Recurrent pure subdural extension of esthesioneuroblastoma

SummaryEsthesioneuroblastoma is a rare neoplasm arising from the olfactory epithelium, and shows intracranial extension in the advanced disease. We report here a 40-year-old female, who had initially been diagnosed to have a Kadish stage C esthesioneuroblastoma. Recurrence presented about 10 months after the first operation, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, with pure bilateral subdural extension but without local signs. Although recurrence is common in advanced esthesioneuroblastoma, such a pattern of presentation is rare, with only three similar cases reported previously. We discuss the possible pathophysiology of such an event and propose possible means of prevention