Sinus Mucocoele Research Articles

The Clinical Course of Paranasal Sinus Mucocoeles-A Retrospective Case Series.

Paranasal sinus mucocoeles can be secondary to chronic rhinosinusitis and can result in intra-orbital and intra-cranial complications requiring surgical management. The natural history of conservatively managed mucocoeles is not well established. We aimed to quantify the proportion of radiologically identified paranasal sinus mucocoeles resulting in complications over 10 years. We retrospectively reviewed anonymised data on radiologically diagnosed mucocoeles between 2011 and 2021 at two UK hospitals. We collected data on age at presentation, extent of sinus involvement, management and complications. We identified 60 patients with mucocoeles, of which 35 (58%) were incidental findings from radiological investigations. The mean age was 58 years. Fifteen patients (25%) were managed surgically and one presented with recurrence following surgery. Overall, six patients (10%) had an intra-orbital extension of their mucocoele and three (5%) had an intra-cranial extension. There was no difference in the rates of intra-cranial extension between conservative and surgical cases but surgical cases included a higher rate of intra-orbital extensions (27% vs. 4%, p = 0.01). The proportion of patients requiring surgical intervention in this study is low. Incidental and asymptomatic mucocoeles have a relatively benign disease course and selected uncomplicated cases can be considered for conservative management with serial scanning at 12 months.

A giant sphenoid sinus mucocoele

Abstract Sphenoid sinus mucocoele is an extremely rare clinical entity. Patients of the sphenoid sinus mucocoele may present with a myriad of symptoms. The presenting symptoms are often non-specific and patients may be asymptomatic. We report the occurrence of a giant sphenoid sinus mucocoele in a 56-year-old female. The patient was treated with transnasal endoscopic widening of the sphenoid ostium and marsupialization of the mucocoele.

Sphenoid mucocoele - An unusual cause for headaches in a teenage boy

Isolated sphenoid sinus disease in childhood is uncommon and sphenoid mucocoeles (histologically benign, epithelium-lined, mucus-containing sacs) are rare. They are thought to arise as a result of obstruction of the sinus ostium due to previous surgery, inflammation, trauma or irradiation, but may be idiopathic. We present a case of a sphenoid sinus mucocoele in a young boy and highlight the fact that headache may be the only symptom, therefore diagnosis may require a combination of imaging and exploratory surgery.

Minimally invasive approach for lesions involving the frontal sinus

Background. Traditional open surgery for frontal sinus pathology and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks is complex and involves a craniotomy. Minimally invasive options offer an alternate solution. We describe and assess the outcome of a minimally invasive approach for lesions and defects involving the frontal sinus. Methods. The technique introduces an endoscope via a small frontal sinusotomy accessed via a small medial brow incision. This allows excellent visualisation of the frontal sinus. Fine thin-shafted instruments traditionally used during tympanoplasty or pituitary surgery are passed through the sinusotomy together with an endoscope for dissection and tissue excision. This technique can be combined with conventional endonasal surgery. Results. We describe the use of this technique in three patients: A fracture of the posterior table of the right frontal sinus with CSF leak, a right frontal sinus osteoma and a right frontal sinus mucocoele. Symptom resolution occurred in all patients and no short-term postoperative complications occurred. Conclusion. This approach avoids the morbidity associated with a craniotomy and obviates the need for postoperative intensive care required for conventional osteoplastic flap surgery or extensive endonasal surgery required for the alternative minimally invasive endoscopic technique. Our initial success merits further assessment of the use of this technique.

Outside-In Frontal Drill-Out: How I Do It

The Draf 3 frontal sinusotomy, or modified Lothrop procedure has been used to treat recalcitrant rhinosinusitis, frontal sinus mucocoeles or to provide access for cerebrospinal fluid leaks, frontoethmoid fractures, frontal sinus tumors and skull base tumors. To describe authors approach to the "Outside-In Frontal Drill-Out". Descriptive. The "Outside-In" frontal drill-out is an approach that emphasizes the early identification of the first olfactory neuron, maximization of bone removal, and preservation of the posterior table mucosa. The advantages of this approach are it provides unobstructed view and identifies anatomic limits early, bone removal is fast and efficient; it is safe, and it is a robust technique based upon fixed anatomic landmarks.

Frontal sinus mucocoeles: new algorithm for surgical management.

Frontal sinus mucocoeles require a structured approach to their surgical management. We share our experience of a novel method of positional classification for frontal mucocoele and corresponding surgical algorithm. A retrospective case-note review examined all frontal sinus surgery for mucocoele, spanning three years (2008-2010). Patients had pre-operative nasendoscopy, multi-planar CT and MRI when indicated. Several important variables (position, drainage dimensions, fronto-ethmoidal cells and degree of neo-osteogenesis) were noted. A systematic algorithm was used for surgical drainage based on these characteristics. The three year outcomes using this approach are presented. Thirty-six patients were identified with a total of 43 frontal mucocoeles. Using our classification, 30 mucocoeles were medial; seven were intermediate; six were lateral. Thirty-four patients underwent a primary endoscopic procedure; six required a combined primary osteoplastic-flap (OPF) and endoscopic approach. Six patients required revision surgery for polypoidal change or neo-ostium stenosis. All patients were eventually rendered asymptomatic. Implementation of our positional classification and surgical algorithm was successful with a revision rate of 19%. Presence of frontal sinus wall dehiscence and extra-sinus mucocoele extension are invalid indicators for external approach. We feel our classification and treatment algorithm, with its associated indicators for surgical escalation (i.e. limited dimensions of frontal ostium, presence of Type III / IV front-ethmoidal cells etc), are applicable for future management of frontal mucocoeles.

Frontal sinus mucocoeles: new algorithm for surgical management

Frontal sinus mucocoeles require a structured approach to their surgical management. We share our experience of a novel method of positional classification for frontal mucocoele and corresponding surgical algorithm. A retrospective case-note review examined all frontal sinus surgery for mucocoele, spanning three years (2008-2010). Patients had pre-operative nasendoscopy, multi-planar CT and MRI when indicated. Several important variables (position, drainage dimensions, fronto-ethmoidal cells and degree of neo-osteogenesis) were noted. A systematic algorithm was used for surgical drainage based on these characteristics. The three year outcomes using this approach are presented. Thirty-six patients were identified with a total of 43 frontal mucocoeles. Using our classification, 30 mucocoeles were medial; seven were intermediate; six were lateral. Thirty-four patients underwent a primary endoscopic procedure; six required a combined primary osteoplastic-flap (OPF) and endoscopic approach. Six patients required revision surgery for polypoidal change or neo-ostium stenosis. All patients were eventually rendered asymptomatic. Implementation of our positional classification and surgical algorithm was successful with a revision rate of 19%. Presence of frontal sinus wall dehiscence and extra-sinus mucocoele extension are invalid indicators for external approach. We feel our classification and treatment algorithm, with its associated indicators for surgical escalation (i.e. limited dimensions of frontal ostium, presence of Type III / IV front-ethmoidal cells etc), are applicable for future management of frontal mucocoeles.

Sphenoid mucocele: an uncommon complication of a rare condition

A 58-year-old white woman presented with sudden onset of diplopia, headache and vomiting with a history of tiredness and lethargy over the past four to six months. She had smooth, pale, hairless skin and on examination she was found to have left-sided third and sixth nerve palsy. Laboratory tests confirmed pan-anterior hypopituitarism. Computerized tomography scan of head and magnetic resonance imaging appearances were consistent with those of a sphenoid sinus mucocoele. Following adequate replacement with hydrocortisone and thyroxine she underwent sphenoid mucocoele drainage and endoscopic left sphenoethmoidectomy. Her symptoms were relieved over the next few days and she had a near-total recovery of ophthalmoplegia over the following three months. Pituitary function tests showed partial resolution of hypopituitarism with recovery of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and hydrocortisone therapy was withdrawn, but she continued to require thyroxine.

Long terms results of Draf type III (modified endoscopic Lothrop) frontal sinus drainage procedure in 122 patients: a single centre experience.

To assess the effectiveness and factors associated with restenosis after Draf type III (Endoscopic Modified Lothrop) frontal sinus drainage procedure. Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. A hundred and twenty two consecutive patients undergoing Draf III procedure for recalcitrant chronic frontal rhinosinusitis (CRS) (71%), frontal sinus mucocoele (15%), benign frontal sinus tumours (9%) and cystic fibrosis with severe CRS (5%) were followed up for an average of 33 months. Symptom burden (Visual Analogue Scale and Rhinosinusitis Outcome Measure), patency of neo-ostium and revision surgery. At the end of follow up, ninety percent of patients had a patent neo-ostium, while 88% were either clinically better or completely asymptomatic. Thirty-nine patients required endoscopic revision surgery and 9 eventually underwent frontal sinus obliteration. Sixty percent of revision operations were performed during the first two years. RSOM showed a significant improvement in both general and nasal symptoms while on a VAS, headache improved significantly. The only factor weakly associated with re-stenosis was the presence of allergy. There were no major complications during any of the procedures. Draf III Procedure is safe and effective for patients who have failed conventional frontal sinus procedures and a valid alternative to frontal sinus obliteration. Although the revision rate may appear to be quite significant, it can often be performed as an outpatient procedure and needs to be balanced against the reduced morbidity and the ease of follow-up.

Long terms results of Draf type III (modified endoscopic Lothrop) frontal sinus drainage procedure in 122 patients: a single centre experience

Objectives: To assess the effectiveness and factors associated with restenosis after Draf type III (Endoscopic Modified Lothrop) frontal sinus drainage procedure. Design: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. Patients: A hundred and twenty two consecutive patients undergoing Draf III procedure for recalcitrant chronic frontal rhinosinusitis (CRS) (71%), frontal sinus mucocoele (15%), benign frontal sinus tumours (9%) and cystic fibrosis with severe CRS (5%) were followed up for an average of 33 months. Outcome measures: Symptom burden (Visual Analogue Scale and Rhinosinusitis Outcome Measure), patency of neo-ostium and revision surgery. Results: At the end of follow up, ninety percent of patients had a patent neo-ostium, while 88% were either clinically better or completely asymptomatic. Thirty-nine patients required endoscopic revision surgery and 9 eventually underwent frontal sinus obliteration. Sixty percent of revision operations were performed during the first two years. RSOM showed a significant improvement in both general and nasal symptoms while on a VAS, headache improved significantly. The only factor weakly associated with re-stenosis was the presence of allergy. There were no major complications during any of the procedures. Conclusion: Draf III Procedure is safe and effective for patients who have failed conventional frontal sinus procedures and a valid alternative to frontal sinus obliteration. Although the revision rate may appear to be quite significant, it can often be performed as an outpatient procedure and needs to be balanced against the reduced morbidity and the ease of follow-up.

Giant Mucocoele of the Maxillary Antrum: A Case Report

Maxillary antral mucocoeles have an incidence of only 3-10%. Mucocoeles are more commonly seen in the frontoethmoidal region. We present one such rare case of a 52-year-old lady who came to us with complaints of pain and swelling of the left cheek of 4months duration. Clinical examination and investigation revealed a giant maxillary sinus mucocoele which was duly treated surgically. We discuss its classical presentation and management since such large mucocoeles are not often seen in the maxillary sinus.

Ophthalmic manifestations of paranasal sinus mucocoeles

To investigate the ophthalmic manifestations of paranasal sinus mucocoeles. A retrospective study of all patients (1992-1998) diagnosed with paranasal sinus mucocoeles. All patients had a CT scan. Of the 45 patients, only 3 (6.7%) did not have ophthalmic symptoms or signs. The most common (64.4%) presenting feature was peri-orbital swelling, often associated with pain and tenderness. Other presenting features included diplopia, proptosis, hypoglobus, diplopia, decreased colour vision, epiphora, facial swelling and nasal polyps. The frontal sinus was the most commonly (70%) involved site. Paranasal sinus mucocoeles present most commonly with ophthalmic symptoms and signs. Patients with this condition are therefore highly likely to present initially to the ophthalmology department. Awareness of the aetiology of this condition is important so that appropriate and timely referral is made to the otolaryngologists to ensure appropriate management of this condition.

Eyelid Fistula: A Feature of Occult Sinus Disease

Purpose: To describe the clinical characteristics of patients presenting with eyelid fistula as a complication of occult sinus disease. Methods: A retrospective review of patients presenting, to the Orbital Clinic at Moorfields Eye Hospital, with eyelid fistula due to chronic sinus disease; the review including clinical features, management and outcome. Results: Eight patients presented with discharge from an upper lid or medial canthal fistula, of whom 6 had a history of variable lid swelling, 3 had ptosis and 2 had proptosis with restricted upgaze. All patients had ipsilateral frontal or ethmoid sinus opacification on CT, 5 had erosion of the bone and 2 had sinus mucocoeles. Management involved functional endoscopic sinus surgery to establish drainage of the affected sinuses and direct excision of the fistular tract. Conclusions: A discharging eyelid fistula may indicate occult sinus disease, which can remain undiagnosed for long periods. There is typically a history of recurrent upper lid erythema and swelling, with spontaneous drainage through a fistula sited in the supero-medial eyelid sulcus; local features include contracture and thickening of the skin and underlying tissues around the fistula.

Śluzowiaki zatok przynosowych

Paranasal sinus mucocoele is a benign pseudocystic lesion, which may originate from any sinus cavities when their natural ostia are blocked. Raising mucocoele in frontal, ethmoid or sphenoid sinus causes headache, disorders of eye mobility and deformities of forehead or orbit. was clinical analysis of treatment results taking into consideration the method of surgical treatment. Presented material consists of 42 patients (39 adults and 3 children), 22 females and 20 males, in the age from 8 to 76 treated at Department of Otolaryngology of Medical University of Gdansk in the years from 1995 to 2005 for paranasal sinuses mucocoele. Fronto-ethomidal mucocoele was found in 22 (52.4%) patients, ethmoidal--in 10 (23.8%), frontal--in 4 (9.5%), spheno-ethmoidal--in 4 (9.5%) and maxillar in 2 (4.8%) patients. 14 (33.3%) cases were primary and 28 (66.7%) secondary of mucocoeles. The most frequent symptoms of frontal or ethmoidal mucocoele were: headache, lacrimation, deformity of orbit, blepharoedema, and diplopia. Sphenoethmoidal and maxillar mucocoele caused mostly nose obstruction and severe headache. Destruction of sinuses and orbital bony wall was found in 16 patients (38.1%), and in 9 of them (21.4%) there were in medial wall of orbit, in 3 (7.1%)--in inferior wall of frontal sinus, in 3 (7.1%)--in anterior wall of frontal sinus, and in 1 (2.3%) in anterior wall of maxillary sinus. In 3 patients (97.1%) with fronto-ethmoidal mucocoele as the consequence of disease the development of empyema was observed. Endoscopic intranasal treatment was applied in 9 patients (21.4%) with fronto-ethmoidal, spheno-ethmoidal and maxillar mucocoele. Complete recovery was observed in 30 (71.4%) patients, recurrence was noted in 12 (28.6%) and these patients were operated from extranasal approach. Paranasal sinuses mucocoele is found when natural ostia of sinuses are blocked after prior operation. They cause destruction of bony walls of sinuses. Extranasal approach is an optimal method of treatment in extended mucocoele and their complications.

Frontal Sinus Mucocoele Causing Headaches and Diplopia

Frontal Sinus Mucocoele Causing Headaches and Diplopia

Recurrent bilateral fronto-ethmoidal mucocoele with intracranial extension: a case report

Mucocoeles of the paranasal sinuses are relatively uncommon and rarely bilateral, the frontal and ethmoidal sinuses being most commonly affected. Rarely, fronto-ethmoidal mucocoeles expand and extend into the anterior cranial fossa producing mass effect. We report a 66-year-old woman, who presented with a 20-year history of recurrent bilateral progressive proptosis and supra orbital swellings with blindness in the left eye. Ultrasound scan of the left eye showed a large cystic mass in the orbit due to extension of ipsilateral frontal mucocoele. Computed tomographic brain scan showed large bilateral fronto-ethmoidal mucocoeles, erosion of the right orbital roof, right posterior and left anterior sinus walls, and extension of the right frontal sinus into the anterior cranial fossa with mass effect. The patient had a bicoronal craniotomy and bilateral fronto-ethmoidectomy with direct drainage of independent right mucocoele and left mucopyocoele. This case illustrates complications that may result from chronicity and treatment failure in patients with sinus mucocoeles.

The place of endoscopic sinus surgery in the treatment of paranasal sinus mucocoeles.

Mucocoeles of the paranasal sinuses often enlarge slowly resulting in local bone erosion with subsequent extension into the adjacent orbit or intracranial space. We have reviewed the management of 59 patients with 68 mucocoeles. The variety of presentations is examined and discussed. Although diplopia has previously been stated as a very common finding we have found this not to be the case and believe that it may be that previous reports originate from ophthalmology centres. Forty-four patients underwent endoscopic surgical management of their mucocoeles, nine had a combined external and endoscopic procedure and 14 patients had an external approach. One patient needed no surgery. The mean follow-up period was 6 years 3 months. There was the lowest number of recurrences in the endoscopic surgical group. We emphasize the importance of long-term follow-up.

Sphenoid Sinus Mucocoele and Cranial Nerve Palsies in a Patient with a History of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: May Mimic Local Recurrence

Sphenoid Sinus Mucocoele and Cranial Nerve Palsies in a Patient with a History of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: May Mimic Local Recurrence

Sphenoid Sinus Mucocoele and Cranial Nerve Palsies in a Patient with a History of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: May Mimic Local Recurrence

We report the case history of a patient with a sphenoid sinus mucocoele detected by computed tomography and medical resonance imaging. The patient had a history of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, which was treated by radiotherapy more than 10 years previously. He presented with bilateral twelfth and sixth cranial nerve palsies. Local tumour recurrence was suspected. Further investigations showed that the cranial nerve palsies were caused by radiation damage and the sphenoid sinus mucocoele was an incidental finding. Sphenoid sinus mucocoele is a possible rare late complication of radiotherapy in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Sphenoid sinus mucocoele presenting as complete ophthalmoplegia

Sphenoid sinus mucocoeles represent 1% of all paranasal sinus mucocoeles. We describe a case of a sinus mucocoele with an atypical presentation comprising the sudden onset of a complete ophthalmoplegia. There was good recovery following drainage of the mucocoele.