Severe facial pain and removal of maxillary sinus mucous retention cyst.

Maxillary sinus retention cysts (MRCs) are typically asymptomatic and require no treatment. An early 30s man presented with a decade-long history of severe left-sided chronic facial pain (CFP). Multiple prior treatments resulted in an edentulous patient with persistent pain. Imaging revealed a dome-shaped radiopaque change in the left maxillary sinus. History and clinical examination suggested persistent idiopathic facial pain, and doubts about the outcome of a surgical intervention were explained to the patient. Surgical removal of the MRC via lateral antrotomy led to complete symptom resolution of CFP. This case substantiates the importance of considering MRCs as a possible cause of CFP. It also emphasises the need for a systematic multidisciplinary approach in cases of unexplained CFP.

Is maxillary sinusitis and radiographic maxillary sinus opacification associated with an altered microbiology of MRONJ?

OBJECTIVE: Maxillary sinusitis can be a sequela of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). This study aims to characterize the microbiome of maxillary MRONJ with concurrent maxillary sinusitis and radiographic maxillary sinus opacification to determine if there is a relationship between the microbiome of MRONJ and sinus disease. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective case series was conducted using electronic health records from the University of Pennsylvania and affiliated hospitals. The target population was surgically managed maxillary MRONJ patients. The primary predictor variables were tissue culture results. The primary outcomes were maxillary sinusitis or maxillary sinus opacification. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-squared tests at the 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Thirty-nine subjects were selected: 25 had sinus opacification and 11 had sinusitis. Resident bacteria were present in 90% of subjects, nonresident bacteria in 74%, and opportunistic organisms in 15%. There were significantly more subjects with chronic sinusitis microbes (79%) than without. There were significantly more gram-positive anaerobes, specifically Propionibacterium, as well as the gram-negative facultative anaerobe, Capnocytophaga, in subjects with concurrent sinusitis. CONCLUSIONS: Maxillary MRONJ with concurrent maxillary sinusitis may be associated with gram-positive anaerobic species, Propionibacterium, and Capnocytophaga colonization. Maxillary MRONJ patients may benefit from sinus evaluation and concurrent surgical intervention.

[The evolution of ideas about cyst-like stretching of the paranasal sinuses. Part I]. / Evolyutsiya predstavlenii o kistovidnom rastyazhenii okolonosovykh pazukh. Chast' I.

Treatment of patients with severe chronic and recurrent forms of sinusitis, complicated by pathological stretching of the paranasal sinuses, is not a trivial task. This is especially true for those clinical cases where a pathological increase in the size of the sinus leads to widespread destruction of its walls and may be accompanied by serious complications from adjacent structures. The paper presents an analytical review of publications on the topic of pathological stretching of the paranasal sinuses. Potential factors influencing the development of this pathology, mechanisms of pathogenesis and classification options are described in detail. Modern approaches are considered in the surgical treatment of this pathology, which can be carried out in one or two stages, depending on the presence of secondary aesthetic defects.

Delayed onset enophthalmos and hypoglobus mimicking silent sinus syndrome following midface trauma.

Craniomaxillofacial trauma is primarily diagnosed and managed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Among the cases encountered, midface fractures involving orbital walls are highly prevalent. In these fractures, involvement of the orbital walls, particularly floor of the orbit, can lead to considerable aesthetic and functional limitations. From a maxillofacial perspective, indications for surgical repair of orbital floor encompass marked decrease in ocular motility, fracture affecting more than 50% of surface area, an increase in orbital volume exceeding 18% and enophthalmos greater than 2 mm. In the absence of these discernible signs, surgical intervention is not generally indicated. However, in this case, an early adolescent with a history of midface trauma and minimal orbital floor fracture 8 months earlier presented with progressively delayed onset enophthalmos and hypoglobus closely resembling features of silent sinus syndrome. The enophthalmos and hypoglobus were corrected by placing custom-made non-resorbable high-density polyethylene implant in the orbital floor. Postoperative follow-up demonstrated aesthetically and functionally satisfactory outcomes.

Enhancing paranasal sinus disease detection with AutoML: efficient AI development and evaluation via magnetic resonance imaging.

PURPOSE: Artificial intelligence (AI) in the form of automated machine learning (AutoML) offers a new potential breakthrough to overcome the barrier of entry for non-technically trained physicians. A Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS) for screening purposes using AutoML could be beneficial to ease the clinical burden in the radiological workflow for paranasal sinus diseases. METHODS: The main target of this work was the usage of automated evaluation of model performance and the feasibility of the Vertex AI image classification model on the Google Cloud AutoML platform to be trained to automatically classify the presence or absence of sinonasal disease. The dataset is a consensus labelled Open Access Series of Imaging Studies (OASIS-3) MRI head dataset by three specialised head and neck consultant radiologists. A total of 1313 unique non-TSE T2w MRI head sessions were used from the OASIS-3 repository. RESULTS: The best-performing image classification model achieved a precision of 0.928. Demonstrating the feasibility and high performance of the Vertex AI image classification model to automatically detect the presence or absence of sinonasal disease on MRI. CONCLUSION: AutoML allows for potential deployment to optimise diagnostic radiology workflows and lay the foundation for further AI research in radiology and otolaryngology. The usage of AutoML could serve as a formal requirement for a feasibility study.

[Clinical repair strategy for ischial tuberosity pressure ulcers based on the sinus tract condition and range of skin and soft tissue defects].

Objective: To investigate the clinical repair strategy for ischial tuberosity pressure ulcers based on the sinus tract condition and range of skin and soft tissue defects. Methods: The study was a retrospective observational study. From July 2017 to March 2023, 21 patients with stage Ⅲ or Ⅳ ischial tuberosity pressure ulcers who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, including 13 males and 8 females, aged 14-84 years. There were 31 ischial tuberosity pressure ulcers, with an area of 1.5 cm×1.0 cm-8.0 cm×6.0 cm. After en bloc resection and debridement, the range of skin and soft tissue defect was 6.0 cm×3.0 cm-15.0 cm×8.0 cm. According to the depth and size of sinus tract and range of skin and soft tissue defects on the wound after debridement, the wounds were repaired according to the following three conditions. (1) When there was no sinus tract or the sinus tract was superficial, with a skin and soft tissue defect range of 6.0 cm×3.0 cm-8.5 cm×6.5 cm, the wound was repaired by direct suture, Z-plasty, transfer of buttock local flap, or V-Y advancement of the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve nutrient vessel flap. (2) When the sinus tract was deep and small, with a skin and soft tissue defect range of 8.5 cm×4.5 cm-11.0 cm×6.5 cm, the wound was repaired by the transfer and filling of gracilis muscle flap followed by direct suture, or Z-plasty, or combined with transfer of inferior gluteal artery perforator flap. (3) When the sinus tract was deep and large, with a skin and soft tissue defect range of 7.5 cm×5.5 cm-15.0 cm×8.0 cm, the wound was repaired by the transfer and filling of gracilis muscle flap and gluteus maximus muscle flap transfer, followed by direct suture, Z-plasty, or combined with transfer of buttock local flap; and transfer and filling of biceps femoris long head muscle flap combined with rotary transfer of the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve nutrient vessel flap; and filling of the inferior gluteal artery perforator adipofascial flap transfer combined with V-Y advancement of the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve nutrient vessel flap. A total of 7 buttock local flaps with incision area of 8.0 cm×6.0 cm-19.0 cm×16.0 cm, 21 gracilis muscle flaps with incision area of 18.0 cm×3.0 cm-24.0 cm×5.0 cm, 9 inferior gluteal artery perforator flaps or inferior gluteal artery perforator adipofascial flaps with incision area of 8.5 cm×6.0 cm-13.0 cm×7.5 cm, 10 gluteal maximus muscle flaps with incision area of 8.0 cm×5.0 cm-13.0 cm×7.0 cm, 2 biceps femoris long head muscle flaps with incision area of 17.0 cm×3.0 cm and 20.0 cm×5.0 cm, and 5 posterior femoral cutaneous nerve nutrient vessel flaps with incision area of 12.0 cm×6.5 cm-21.0 cm×10.0 cm were used. The donor area wounds were directly sutured. The survival of muscle flap, adipofascial flap, and flap, and wound healing in the donor area were observed after operation. The recovery of pressure ulcer and recurrence of patients were followed up. Results: After surgery, all the buttock local flaps, gracilis muscle flaps, gluteus maximus muscle flaps, inferior gluteal artery perforator adipofascial flaps, and biceps femoris long head muscle flaps survived well. In one case, the distal part of one posterior femoral cutaneous nerve nutrient vessel flap was partially necrotic, and the wound was healed after dressing changes. In another patient, bruises developed in the distal end of inferior gluteal artery perforator flap. It was somewhat relieved after removal of some sutures, but a small part of the necrosis was still present, and the wound was healed after bedside debridement and suture. The other posterior femoral cutaneous nerve nutrient vessel flaps and inferior gluteal artery perforator flaps survived well. In one patient, the wound at the donor site caused incision dehiscence due to postoperative bleeding in the donor area. The wound was healed after debridement+Z-plasty+dressing change. The wounds in the rest donor areas of patients were healed well. After 3 to 15 months of follow-up, all the pressure ulcers of patients were repaired well without recurrence. Conclusions: After debridement of ischial tuberosity pressure ulcer, if there is no sinus tract formation or sinus surface is superficial, direct suture, Z-plasty, buttock local flap, or V-Y advancement repair of posterior femoral cutaneous nerve nutrient vessel flap can be selected according to the range of skin and soft tissue defects. If the sinus tract of the wound is deep, the proper tissue flap can be selected to fill the sinus tract according to the size of sinus tract and range of the skin and soft tissue defects, and then the wound can be closed with individualized flap to obtain good repair effect.

Sinonasal Organizing Hematoma: Demographics, Diagnosis, and Treatment Outcomes of 112 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Sinonasal organizing hematoma (OH) is a rare, nonneoplastic lesion that often presents with epistaxis, a reddish mass, and destruction of the involved sinonasal structures. Due to its rarity, the demographics, diagnostic modalities, treatment strategies, and outcomes have not yet been studied in a large, long-term study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospect cohort of 112 sinonasal OH patients treated between 1997 and 2020 in a tertiary, university hospital were evaluated. Demographics, systemic comorbidities, sinonasal surgery history, serum laboratory tests, radiological findings, and treatment results were collected. The present study aimed to assess the accuracy of preoperative computed tomography (CT), Gadolinum-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR), and punch biopsies in detecting sinonasal OH as the most likely diagnosis. In addition, incidental differences by age and year of diagnosis were calculated using the Poisson log-linear regression model. RESULTS: The median age was 44, and 58% were male. Fewer than 20% of these cases had a chronic systemic comorbidity, bleeding tendency, or sinonasal surgery history. MR had the highest accuracy of (87%) to detect sinonasal OH as the most likely diagnosis, compared with contrast-enhanced-CT (53%), punch biopsy (49%), and non-enhanced-CT (16%) (all <0.05). Sinonasal OH incidence did not vary by age, but the yearly rate significantly increased by 1.05 times over 23 years (p < 0.05). Notably, 84% of 112 patients received surgical removal through the assistance of an endoscope, and none had substantial bleeding without preoperative embolization. CONCLUSION: Sinonasal OH was observed regardless of age, sex, systemic comorbidities, bleeding tendency, prior sinonasal surgery, or trauma. Preoperative MR gives the highest accuracy for detecting this disease. Sinonasal OH may be safely managed with endoscopic-assisted surgery removal without embolization. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 134:1581-1590, 2024.

Alternativa terapéutica para mejorar la calidad de vida en pacientes con fibrosis quística y discinesia ciliar primaria / Therapeutic alternative to improve quality of life in patients with cystic fibrosis and primary ciliary dyskinesia

Objective: To evaluate the clinical response of patients with cystic fibrosis and primary ciliary dyskinesia after endoscopic sinus surgery at the Dr. Robert Reid Cabral Children's Hospital from September 2021 to February 2022. Methods: An ambispective, cross-sectional, observational case series study was conducted, where the study population was made up of patients with cystic fibrosis and primary ciliary dyskinesia at the Dr. Robert Reid Cabral children's hospital during the study period. Inclusion criteria: Patients older than 6 years with a confirmed diagnosis of cystic fibrosis and primary ciliary dyskinesia (Genetic test with 2 homozygous mutations, positives electrolytes in sweat), severe respiratory symptoms of CRS that did not improve with conventional treatment and underwent endoscopic surgery for sinuses. Results: Of a total of 41 patients, only 10 met the inclusion criteria, the most prevalent age range was 14 to 18 years. Both CF and PCD patients decreased the frequency of CRS symptoms. After ENC, there were discrete changes in lung function, and only patients with severe to moderate disease increased % of FEV1. Most of the patients did not require admission after surgery. The most common germ found in nasopharyngeal and sputum cultures in preoperative patients was Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 86%; after ESS there was a significant increase in MRSA colonization in both CF and PCD patients. More than 50% of postoperative patients improved their quality of life, so endoscopic sinus surgery is effective in this population in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis.

Objetivo: Evaluar la respuesta clínica de los pacientes con fibrosis quística y discinesia ciliar primaria posterior a la cirugía endoscópica de senos paranasales en el Hospital Infantil Dr. Robert Reid Cabral en el período septiembre 2021 a febrero 2022. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional tipo serie de casos, de corte transversal y ambispectivo, donde la población estudiada estuvo conformada por los pacientes con fibrosis quística y discinesia ciliar primaria del hospital infantil Dr. Robert Reid Cabral en el período de estudio. Criterios de inclusión: Pacientes mayores de 6 años con diagnóstico confirmado de fibrosis quística y discinesia ciliar primaria (Prueba genética con 2 mutaciones homocigotas, electrolitos en sudor positivos), síntomas respiratorios severos de RSC que no mejoraron con tratamiento convencional y sometidos a la cirugía endoscópica de senos paranasales. Resultados: De un total de 41 pacientes, sólo 10 cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión, el rango de edad más prevalente fue de 14 a 18 años. Tanto los pacientes con FQ como los de DCP disminuyeron la frecuencia de los síntomas de RSC. Posterior a la CEN hubo cambios discretos en la función pulmonar, y sólo los pacientes con enfermedad grave a moderada aumentaron el % de FEV1. La mayoría de los pacientes no ameritaron ingresos posterior a la cirugía. El germen más común encontrado en los cultivos nasofaríngeo y esputo en los pacientes preoperatorios fue la Pseudomonas aeruginosa en el 86%, luego de la CEN hubo un aumento significativo de la colonización por MRSA tanto en los pacientes con FQ como en los de DCP. Más del 50% de los pacientes postquirúrgicos mejoraron su calidad de vida, por lo que la cirugía endoscópica de senos paranasales es efectiva en dicha población en el tratamiento de la rinosinusitis crónica.

Maxillary Surgical Ciliated Cyst After Orthognathic Surgery.

Surgical ciliated cysts, also known as implantation cysts or postoperative maxillary cysts, are uncommon cystic formations predominantly arising in the posterior maxillary region after radical maxillary sinus surgery. Herein, we present the case of a 28-year-old male patient who had previously undergone orthognathic surgery and later experienced a minor car accident without major consequences. Approximately four years after surgery, the patient sought dental care due to the presence of a painless swelling in the maxillary region. Upon intraoral examination, the swelling extended from the area around the right canine to the upper left molar, covered by red mucosa. Image studies revealed an extensive well-defined osteolytic lesion causing thinning, erosion, buccal cortical plate perforation, and root resorption. An incisional biopsy was performed, and microscopic examination revealed a cystic lesion lined by ciliated respiratory-type epithelium and capsule variably fibrotic with sparse chronic inflammation. The final diagnosis was surgical ciliated cysts. The treatment approach involved decompression followed by enucleation and curettage, with the addition of bone grafting and the application of Leukocyte-Platelet Rich Fibrin (L-PRF). The patient has been under clinical follow-up for approximately 17 months with no signs of recurrence. A careful morphological evaluation is essential to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure a satisfactory treatment approach. In conclusion, this case highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment approaches for surgical ciliated cysts to ensure favorable patient outcomes.

Compressive optic neuropathy due to posterior ethmoid mucocele.

Mucoceles are cystic formations characterized by the presence of mucus-secreting epithelial cells, which enlarge when the excretory duct becomes obstructed. Posterior ethmoidal mucoceles are rare conditions that can lead to severe ocular complications requiring immediate intervention. The close anatomical proximity of posterior ethmoidal mucoceles to the optic nerve underscores their significance. In this case report, we present a case of rapidly progressing compressive optic neuropathy secondary to a posterior ethmoidal mucocele. A previously healthy forty-six-year-old woman presented with sudden visual loss in her left eye, preceded by left-sided headache and periorbital pain. Clinical examination and imaging studies revealed an oval-shaped mass within the posterior ethmoid cell compressing the left optic nerve. Emergency surgery was performed to alleviate optic nerve compression, which successfully relieved periocular pain. However, the patient's visual acuity and visual field defect remained unchanged postoperatively. Thinning of the ganglion cell layer in the macula region was observed during follow-up examinations. The role of corticosteroids and antibiotics in visual rehabilitation and the impact of delayed surgical decompression on visual outcome remain subjects of debate. Additional cases of mucocele-associated optic neuropathy should be published and analyzed to establish optimal treatment approaches.

Computed tomographic imaging of a maxillary sinus mucocele in an 8-year-old French Bulldog.

An 8-year-old male neutered French Bulldog was referred for continued nasal dyspnea following a staphylectomy revision performed one month prior to presentation. The patient had a prior history of skin allergies and underwent brachycephalic airway surgery performed at one year of age. Computed tomography (CT) revealed an osseous-encased, cystic mass arising from the right maxillary sinus. Surgical biopsies were performed and a mucocele with sinusitis and glandular hyperplasia was diagnosed. Based on our systematic review of the literature, maxillary sinus mucocele has not been reported in the dog and should be among the differentials for sinus cystic masses.

Orbital Reconstruction Using a Polyetheretherketone Patient-Specific Implant After Removal of a Mucocele Developing After Orbital Fracture Repair.

A few mucoceles developing secondary to facial bone fractures have been reported. Mucocele formation is thought to be attributable to displacement of the respiratory mucosa with obstruction of the sinus opening, especially if untreated. Accurate diagnosis and management are required; a growing mucocele will gradually destroy adjacent bony structures and cause irreversible complications. The authors describe a patient who presented with diplopia and mild discomfort when gazing upward. She had undergone reconstruction of medial and inferior orbital fractures 20 years previously. The patient was diagnosed with a mucocele developing after orbital fracture repair. The patient underwent mucocele removal and orbital reconstruction using a polyetheretherketone patient-specific implant. In a patient with orbital symptoms but without acute trauma, a mucocele should be among the differential diagnoses if history-taking reveals past orbital trauma and surgery. A polyetheretherketone patient-specific implant was effective for orbital reconstruction after mucocele removal.

Modified sphenoidotomy for isolated sphenoid sinus disease: A series of 117 cases.

BACKGROUND: The atresia rate of sphenoid ostium after endoscopic sphenoidotomy for isolated sphenoid disease is 9.4%-10.2%. AIMS: To reduce sphenoid sinus ostium atresia rate after sphenoidotomy surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of patients with isolated sphenoid sinus disease at our hospital between 2015 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The age, gender, disease course, pathology, postoperative follow-up time, anatomy data of sphenoid sinus and postoperative sinus ostium atresia rate were compared between the two groups of patients with traditional sphenoidotomy and modified sphenoidotomy. RESULTS: A total of 117 patients with isolated sphenoid sinus disease underwent endoscopic sphenoidotomy. There were 76 cases in the traditional sphenoidotomy group, fungus ball in 59.2% of patients, the postoperative sinus ostium atresia rate was 14.5%. There were 41 cases in the modified sphenoidotomy group, fungus ball in 53.6% of patients, and 0 case of sinus ostium atresia. Statistical analysis showed significant differences in postoperative sinus ostium atresia rate. There was no significant difference in age, pathology, postoperative follow-up time, anatomy data of sphenoid, and other data. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: The modified endoscopic sphenoidotomy may reduce the rate of postoperative sinus ostium atresia.

Maxillary Sinus Mucocele With Fungal Ball.

Mucocele is a benign, expansile, and oppressive lesion, more common in the frontal and ethmoid sinus and less in the maxillary sinus. Sinus mucocele mainly causes cheek swelling pain and nasal obstruction. In some cases, the paranasal mucocele grows large enough to compress periorbital structures and lead to impaired vision. Generally, mucocele is full of simple mucus, but pathogens can be found if co-infected, which means a poor prognosis. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery is an effective treatment for this disease. Here, the authors report a case that a mucocele occurred in the maxillary sinus, and a fungal ball was also found during the operation, which is a result of Paecilomyces farinosus co-infection.

Posterior Nasal Septal Abscess Detected During Evaluation of Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis.

Septic cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) is a rare, life-threatening condition that commonly originates from sinusitis. Posterior nasal septal abscess (NSA) is an extremely rare cause of septic CST because it is a very rare condition by itself. Here we report a rare case involving an elderly woman with septic CST associated with a posterior NSA that was successfully treated without any sequelae. Incision and drainage of the posterior NSA were performed under local anesthesia, and the nasal packing was removed 2 days postoperatively. Pus from the abscess was sent for culture and sensitivity analyses, which revealed Enterococcus faecium . She was treated with intravenous (IV) third-generation cephalosporin (2 g twice daily) and IV vancomycin (0.75 g twice daily) for 4 weeks. IV low-molecular-weight heparin was administered at a dose of 40 mg twice daily for 4 days, followed by warfarin (3 mg once a day) for 21 days. The patient was discharged without any sequelae after 4 weeks. At the 2-month follow-up, she did not complain of any further symptoms. The findings from this case suggest that clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion and provide prompt treatment to prevent mortality and morbidity associated with septic CST.

Isolated Orbital Apex Mucocele: A Case Study and Literature Review.

Isolated orbital mucocele without connection between the mass and paranasal sinuses is extremely rare and poorly understood. Literature review of these cases are very few and present more anteriorly in the orbit. Here, the authors present a 33-year-old female with an isolated left orbital apex mucocele without direct communication with the adjacent paranasal sinuses and other vital orbital structures. Endoscopic sinus surgery with marsupialization was performed, and an orbital mucocele was confirmed on histopathology. Although uncommon, previously reported cases, including our patient have remained disease free of recurrence for at least 1 year post-operatively.

The Necessity of Dural Resection for Nasal Dermal Sinus Cyst With Intracranial Extension.

Nasal dermal sinus cysts are characterized by an intracranial-extradural extension. Complete extirpation of nasofrontal dermoid sinus cysts is essential for effective treatment to minimize recurrence. The authors revealed the pathologic findings of the cranial end connected to the dura. In our case, the cranial end and dura were fibrous connective tissues that were difficult to separate. For complete extirpation of the nasal dermal sinus cyst with intracranial extension, the cranial ends of the nasofrontal dermoid sinus cyst and dura should be resected en bloc.

Bilateral Rhinogenous Optic Neuropathy Caused by the Regrowth of a Large Sphenoid Sinus Mucocele.

A 59-year-old man, who had a history of left blind at 36 years old, suddenly lost right visual acuity. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large left sphenoid sinus cyst, which protruded intracranially. The cyst was fenestrated by endoscopic sinus surgery, but his right vision did not recover. Ten cases of bilateral rhinogenous optic neuropathy caused by mucocele have been reported, and the cause was sphenoid sinus in 9 cases. Postoperative visual acuity in these cases was poor, especially in slow progressive cases, because it was diagnosed as an unknown cause, and surgery was delayed. Rhinogenous optic neuropathy caused by mucocele should be differentiated from bilateral visual impairment of unknown cause. The authors highlight the importance of early diagnosis of sphenoid sinus mucocele and fully informing patients about the future risk of bilateral visual impairment, even if they are asymptomatic or have been treated.

Sphenoid sinus anatomical variants and pathologies: pictorial essay.

The sphenoid sinus (SS) is one of the four paired paranasal sinuses (PNSs) within the sphenoid bone body. Isolated pathologies of sphenoid sinus are uncommon. The patient may have various presentations like headache, nasal discharge, post nasal drip, or non-specific symptoms. Although rare, potential complications of sphenoidal sinusitis can range from mucocele to skull base or cavernous sinus involvement, or cranial neuropathy. Primary tumors are rare and adjoining tumors secondarily invading the sphenoid sinus is seen. Multidetector computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the primary imaging modalities used to diagnose various forms of sphenoid sinus lesions and complications. We have compiled anatomic variants and various pathologies affecting sphenoid sinus lesions in this article.

Silent sinus syndrome with interfrontal sinus retraction: A 3-case series using CARE methodology.

INTRODUCTION: Silent sinus syndrome (SSS) is a rare entity, almost exclusively involving the maxillary sinus, frontal location being very rarely reported. The aim of the present study was to describe clinical and radiological characteristics and surgical treatment using the CARE methodology. RESULTS: One woman and 2 men were referred for chronic unilateral frontal pain with imagery showing silent sinus syndrome. All showed partial or complete liquid opacification of the affected sinus associated with a thin interfrontal sinus (IFS) retracted toward the affected sinus. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery was performed in all cases, with good functional results. DISCUSSION: We describe 3 cases of SSS with IFS involvement. The frontal sinus wall seemed most vulnerable, probably most liable to be weakened by atelectasis. The study suggests that frontal SSS can be an etiology in chronic frontal sinusitis. Preoperative findings of IFS retraction are useful for surgical restoration of frontal sinus ventilation, relieving chronic pain and preventing complications.