Pediatric giant cell granuloma of the temporal bone: a case report and brief review of the literature

Giant cell granuloma of the skull base is a distinct rare clinicopathologic lesion, which progressively destroys the involved bone. It causes increased intracranial pressure and mass effect on the brain. Histologically it may mimic an aneurysmal bone cyst, giant cell tumour and the brown tumour of hyperparathyroidism. Although cited by some authors, the role of trauma in its aetiology is still considered controversial. Authors present an interesting case of a 12 year old Omani boy who sustained a cricket bat injury to his right temporal region from which he initially recovered but later on progressively developed vertigo, tinnitus, right hearing loss and a mild right facial weakness. Computed tomography (CT scan) and Magnetic resonance imaging (MR scan) revealed a large destructive lesion of the temporal bone. Microsurgical excision was curative. Interesting clinicoradiological findings are presented with a brief review of the literature.