Thornwaldt's Cyst Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Thornwaldt cysts represent a persistent communication between the roof of the nasopharynx and the notochord. The incidence of Thornwaldt cyst is reported to be between 0,2 and 5 % on magnetic resonance imaging and series of normal autopsy specimens. Thornwaldt's cysts are most commonly asymptomatic. Clínical symptoms are usually related with inflammation and formation of an abscess, developing a Thornwaldt's disease characterized by postnasal discharge, occipital headaches and halitosis. The history, clínical and radiological findings of a patient with an infected Thornwaldt's cyst and dacryocystitis are presented. The differential diagnosis of cystic nasopharyngeal masses is discussed. The patient was diagnosed by nasal endoscopy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), showing a Thornwaldt's cyst with 18 mm diameter. Thornwaldt's cyst should be remembered as an uncommon but potentially treatable cause of many symptoms seen in a typical otolaryngology practice.