Intracranial salivary gland choristoma within optic nerve dural sheath: case report and review of the literature.

Abstract

Salivary gland choristomas or their neoplastic derivatives may appear throughout the intracranial space, most frequently in the middle ear or sella. Here, we present the case of a salivary gland choristoma embedded within the optic nerve dural sheath and review the literature of intracranial salivary gland masses. A 28-year-old female patient presented with headache and visual complaints. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a prechiasmatic suprasellar cystic lesion. Operatively, the mass appeared as a cyst filled with mucinous fluid associated with abnormal tissue embedded within the optic nerve. We deflated and biopsied the cyst, which revealed normal-appearing salivary tissue. The patient remains asymptomatic without radiographic evidence of cyst recurrence 2 years postoperatively. Intracranial salivary tissue has been previously described but never before in the suprasellar space. Although rare, knowledge of their natural history and pathologic features may inform surgical management if they are encountered in the operating room.