A rare association of tension pneumocephalus and a large frontoethmoidal osteoma: imaging features and surgical treatment

A Case of Giant Ethmoid Sinus Osteoma

Paranasal sinus osteomas are slow-growing benign tumors. They are generally asymptomatic in most patients and usually diagnosed incidentally with a sinus radiograph or more frequently with a CT scan of the paranasal sinuses. Osteomas can cause various signs and symptoms, depending on the location of the mass. Giant osteomas of the paranasal sinuses are very rare, with only a handful of case reports in the literature. Due to the rarity of giant osteomas, the clinical presentation and treatment are unclear. In this article, we present a case of giant ethmoid sinus osteoma, which was removed with an endoscopic endonasal approach, as well as a review of the literature.

Management of paranasal sinus osteomas: A comprehensive narrative review of the literature and an up-to-date grading system

BACKGROUND

Surgical excision represents the unequivocal treatment modality for symptomatic paranasal sinus osteomas. However, the optimal surgical approach and the extent of the surgery, as well as the management stance in the case of an asymptomatic tumor, remain controversial.

METHODS

The MeSH terms 'Osteoma', 'Nasal Cavity', and 'Paranasal Sinuses' were used to retrieve articles concerning the management of paranasal sinus osteomas that were published in the last 30 years, the vast majority of which comprised case reports of one or two cases. Original articles or large series of more than six cases were prioritized.

RESULTS

Our review summarizes previous findings and opinions relevant to the management of symptomatic and asymptomatic paranasal sinus osteomas. The recent shifts in trends of their management are thoroughly discussed. Currently, an extension of the lesion through the anterior frontal sinus wall; an erosion of the posterior wall of the frontal sinus; a far-anterior intraorbital extension; an attachment to the orbital roof beyond the midorbital point; and some patient-specific adverse anatomic variations that may restrict access, are considered strong contraindications to a purely endoscopic approach. On the grounds of this thorough review, a new grading system for frontal and frontoethmoidal osteomas is proposed to allow better conformity to recent advancements and current clinical, research, and educational needs.

CONCLUSION

Over the past 30 years, endoscopic techniques have emerged as the new standard of care for favorably located paranasal sinus osteomas. Nonetheless, open approaches remain indispensable for the management of the more perplexing cases of frontal sinus osteomas.

Frontoethmoid osteoma with pneumocephalus: options for surgical management

Pneumocephalus is an exceedingly rare complication associated with neurological deficit in cases of frontoethmoid osteoma. The overarching management strategy for affected patients remains undefined. We describe the case of a 61-year-old female patient presenting with frontoethmoid osteoma manifesting as profound intraparenchymal pneumocephalus and associated neurological deficit, treated through a minimally invasive combined surgical strategy involving image-guided burr hole decompression of the pneumocephalus followed by transnasal endoscopic removal of the tumor. Using this approach, the patient rapidly recovered full neurologic function. We review the existing literature and, given the likely intraparenchymal location of pneumocephalus associated with these lesions with the potential of rapid clinical deterioration, recommend aggressive surgical management. Although these lesions can be removed from a purely endoscopic approach, we recommend burr-hole decompression of the pneumocephalus as an adjunct to ensure prompt resolution of the neurologic symptoms.

Review of 43 osteomas of the craniomaxillofacial region

PURPOSE

To present and discuss the demographic and clinical aspects and the management of 44 cases of osteomas of the craniomaxillofacial region.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed of all cases of osteoma diagnosed from 2000 through 2010. The data collected included age at diagnosis, gender, lesion location, presenting symptoms, type of osteoma, treatment, and outcomes.

RESULTS

Forty-two patients with 43 osteomas were diagnosed during the study period. Their mean age was 48 years. The male-to-female ratio was 0.4:1. Twenty-one patients were asymptomatic, whereas 10 patients complained about headache and neuralgia, and 11 patients presented with facial asymmetry. Only 21 symptomatic osteomas were surgically removed after histologic diagnosis, whereas for the asymptomatic lesions a careful follow-up was maintained.

CONCLUSIONS

The slow growth of osteomas allows a conservative attitude toward asymptomatic lesions. Thus, when surgery is performed, it is extremely important to plan a surgical approach that minimizes any damage to the adjacent structures.

Spontaneous intraparenchymal otogenic pneumocephalus: A case report and review of literature

Background:

Pneumocephalus is commonly associated with head and facial trauma, ear infection, or surgical interventions. Spontaneous pneumocephalus caused by a primary defect at the temporal bone level without association with pathological conditions is very rare. Few cases have been published with purely intraparenchymal involvement. We describe a rare case of spontaneous pneumocephalus arising from the mastoid cells with intraparenchymal location and present an extensive review of the existing literature.

Case Description:

A 57-year-old woman presented a brief episode of sudden otalgia in her left ear that was followed by a motor aphasia. Imaging revealed a left temporal intraparenchymal pneumocephalus in a close relationship with a highly pneumatized temporal bone. Left temporal craniotomy and decompression were performed. Further subtemporal exploration confirmed a dural defect and other osseous defects in the tegmen tympani, which were both consequently closed watertight.

Conclusion:

Although extremely rare, a spontaneous intraparenchymal pneumocephalus with mastoidal origin should be considered as a possible diagnosis in patients with suggestive otological symptoms and other non-specific neurological manifestations. Surgery is indicated to repair bone and dural defects.

Benign cysts and tumors of the paranasal sinuses

To thoroughly understand the biology of any lesion and render the appropriate management, clear and accurate definitions are paramount. For benign cysts and tumors of the oral maxillofacial region, an accurate depiction of these lesions needs to be elucidated to provide both the treating surgeon and the patient with a clear understanding of the course of treatment and the outcome.

Ethmoid sinus osteoma: diagnosis and management

BACKGROUND

Ethmoid sinus osteomas are uncommon, benign, osteogenic tumors. The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe their usual clinical presentation and to discuss their surgical management.

METHODS

The medical records of 25 patients treated for ethmoid osteoma between March 2001 and December 2010 were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

The average tumor size was 18.5 ± 14 mm. Only 3 patients were asymptomatic, 14 had a history of frontal sinusitis (complicated with orbital cellulitis in 4 cases), and 4 patients presented with diplopia. An endoscopic approach was performed in 19 cases, a coronal approach in 4 cases, and a combined approach (endoscopic + coronal) in 2 cases. No recurrence was reported.

CONCLUSION

Ethmoid sinus osteoma can be asymptomatic and detected incidentally on CT scans, but often causes frontal sinusitis and orbital complications. The endoscopic approach offers the possibility of safe removal with cosmetic advantages compared to coronal approach.