Complications of frontal sinusitis in adolescents: case presentations and treatment options.

ABSTRACT

Frontal sinusitis in adolescents can be a serious condition because of the severity of potential complications and rapid progression of disease. These complications may arise as a result of extension of the infection intracranially, to the frontal bone, and to the orbit. Infection may spread hematogenously or by direct extension. A series of seven adolescent patients with complications of frontal sinusitis is presented. Surgical options are necessitated by the location and extent of infection and include trephination, frontal sinus obliteration, and craniotomy. Recent advances in endoscopic sinus surgery have provided surgeons another access to the frontal recess. However, a combined otolaryngological/neurosurgical approach is essential for patients with intracranial complications.