Lead Airgun Projectiles Inside the Maxillary Sinuses—Therapeutic Approaches through the Years: A Systematic Review of Case Reports

Abstract

Background: Shots from commonly available non-gunpowder weapons are a significant cause of facial injuries, especially in pediatric patients. A consequence of such trauma may be the placement of a projectile within the maxillary sinus, which is a therapeutic need with no guidelines for foreign body removal. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the etiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of such cases. Materials and methods: Any cases describing the presence of airgun pellets within the maxillary sinus were included. Animal patients and non-English cases were excluded. The final search using the PubMed, BASE and Google Scholar engines was made on 13 November 2021. The JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Case Reports was used to assess the risk of bias. The collected data are presented in tabular form and were subjected to a comparative assessment. Results: In total, reports of seven cases of lead airgun projectiles in the maxillary sinuses were identified, qualified and analyzed. There were no cases of lead intoxication. The bullets were removed by open surgery in the form of antrostomy of the maxillary sinus or with the use of an endoscope. In none of the described cases were complications observed during surgery or postoperative observation. Discussion: This systematic review was based on case reports that differed significantly in quality. The location of the lead foreign body within the maxillary sinuses may be considered favorable over other craniofacial gunshots. The risk of lead intoxication does exist, but such a location of the bullets does not favor it. The removal of projectiles from the maxillary sinuses appears to be easily achievable and does not predispose one to complications.