Mucoceles of the paranasal sinuses with intracranial and intraorbital extension: report of 28 cases

The Relationship Between Destruction Sites and Clinical Findings in Diffuse Paranasal Sinus Mucoceles

Objective

This study aimed to investigate that complicated mucoceles of paranasal sinuses and their clinical presentation, complications of relations with size, destructions areas, extension limits in affected patients.

Materials and methods

A retrospective review was performed on patients who were diagnosed and treated as paranasal sinus mucoceles at ENT department from 2002 to 2013 years. Patients' demographic data, mucoceles location, symptoms, surgical approach and complications were evaluated.

Results

The study group included 9 male and 10 female patients with a mean age of 45,0 years (range, 12-76 years). This case series include fronto-ethmoidal complex (52,6%), followed by frontal (26,3%), maxillary (15,7%) and sphenoid sinus mucoceles (5,2%). Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) was performed on 11 patients (57.8%); endoscopic procedures included marsupialization through an infundibulotomy, associated with an anterior ethmoidectomy and maxillary sinus antrostomy. Four patients (21%) underwent an external surgical procedure. 8 patients (42%) were treated by a combination of both endoscopic and external approaches such as trephination of the anterior wall of the frontal sinus, osteoplastic flap approach, Caldwell-Luc operation, anterior craniotomy and Lynch procedure. Complications occurred only in 2 cases (10.5%).

Conclusion

The majority of patients with extensive paranasal sinus mucoceles exhibited ophthalmologic and intracranial symptoms. A satisfactory outcome can be achieved after surgical treatment of both endoscopic and external approaches.

A Real Headache: Intracranial Extension and Epidural Abscess As Complication of Chronic Mucocele

Mucoceles are benign lesions of salivary glands typically originating from the paranasal sinuses. Intracranial extension and superinfection of these lesions are rare but serious complications of chronic mucoceles. Here, we discuss a patient with a known mucocele, initially lost to follow-up, who presented three years later with headache, purulent rhinorrhea, and intracranial extension of his mucocele with development of an epidural abscess. This case highlights the potential complications of chronic, large mucoceles and emphasizes the importance of thorough evaluation in patients with facial abscesses in the setting of known sinus pathology. Any mucocele with signs of superinfection such as purulent rhinorrhea, abscess near the sinuses, or refractory symptoms should warrant cranial imaging. Mucoceles with evidence of intracranial extension require neurosurgical and/or otolaryngologic evaluation for evacuation and debridement to avoid neurologic injury or devastating infection.

Rare Diseases of the Orbit

This article provides an overview of rare orbital diseases. Congenital malformations, inflammatory diseases, benign and malignant neoplasias are described. Although it represents a relatively small area of the body the orbit contains multiple different tissues. Therefore, a great variety of diseases can be found within the orbital space. That is the reason, why both the completeness and the level of detail in the description of particular diseases must be somewhat limited. Nevertheless, clinical manifestations, important aspects of diagnosis, treatment strategies, and, when specific data are available, the prognosis are described. The authors tried to highlight the most characteristic aspects of the different diseases to describe their relevant aspects in spite of the brevity of the subsections.

Posttraumatic Respiratory Epithelial Orbital Cyst With Intracranial Extension: A Unique Association

Respiratory epithelial orbital cysts (REOC) are rare benign lesions that may be either congenital or acquired. Congenital REOC develop from embryological epithelial rests and are known as choristomas, whereas acquired forms develop from the sequestration of respiratory epithelium from adjacent paranasal sinuses following trauma and/or fracture repair procedures. The final diagnosis can be difficult because congenital and acquired REOC and mucoceles share the same features histologically. The involvement of the paranasal sinuses, which is the landmark of mucoceles, does not occur with REOC. Moreover, the intracranial extension, which is known for mucoceles, has never been reported for REOC. Respiratory epithelial orbital cysts warrant prompt radical surgical resection given that these lesions may lead to a progressive intracranial progression and/or recurrent infection with a potential for meningitis or cerebral abscess. The authors report a unique case of a patient with an intraorbital posttraumatic respiratory epithelial orbital cyst associated with intracranial involvement.

Sphenoid Mucocele: A Complication of Skull Base Reconstruction with Nasoseptal Flap-A Critical Review and Our Experience

The evolution of expanded endoscopic skull base surgery has enabled development of minimally invasive approaches for resection of large skull base tumors with the nasoseptal flap proving to be an indispensable tool in skull base reconstruction. We here present our experience of sphenoid mucocele development after skull base reconstruction with the nasoseptal flap along with a comprehensive review of the limited literature on the same. With the expanding scope of endoscopic skull base surgery, the nasoseptal flap is increasingly being used for reconstruction. Despite adherence to standard recommendations and use of meticulous technique during flap placement, the potential risk of mucocele formation under the flap should always be borne in mind. In our experience, displacement of the flap pedicle could lead to ostial obstruction and mucocele formation. Hence, in addition to meticulous technique, a close follow up of such patients via nasal endoscopy or imaging is important to further our knowledge and understanding of the long-term effects and complications of this flap.

Endoscopic resection of a huge orbital ethmoidal mucocele masquerading as dacryocystocele

Paranasal mucoceles are cystic masses lined with epithelium thought to result from chronic obstruction of an impaired sinus ostia. If sufficiency large, they can cause ophthalmological sequelae including diplopia, visual acuity, globe displacement as well as the rhinological symptoms of facial pain and headache. We present the case of a 57-year-old man who presented with a 1-year history of epiphora and right globe prominence with associated diplopia. Imaging demonstrated a mass located within the medial aspect of the orbit, closely associated to the lamina papyracea and nasolacrimal duct consistent with a dacryocystocele. An alternate diagnosis of an ethmoidal mucocele was considered preoperatively following rhinologist opinion. Complete endoscopic resection of the cyst was undertaken. Histopathology confirmed diagnosis of an ethmoidal mucocele. Our report highlights mucocele should be considered in patients with chronic symptoms secondary to a mass situated in the nasolacrimal duct without radiological orbital bone destruction.

Paranasal Sinus Mucoceles: Modern Management

As a result of the introduction of endoscopic sinus surgery, together with improvements in diagnostic radiology, it is now possible to marsupialize the majority of paranasal sinus mucoceles. We present a review of our management of 34 consecutive mucoceles, of which 22 were approached endoscopically. We discuss the presenting features and radiological findings in these patients, and the surgical techniques employed. At review, two patients have had a recurrence; both had previously had drainage of their mucocele by an external approach. One was then managed by further external surgery and the other endoscopically. There were no significant complications following endoscopic surgery with a follow-up of 6 months to 3 years. We suggest what should be the contraindications to an endoscopic approach.

Mucoceles of the Paranasal Sinuses with Intracranial Extension-Postoperative Course

Mucoceles of the paranasal sinuses cause progressive distension of the bony walls and induce compressive symptoms. Although rare, cases of massive intracranial extension have occurred. We believe that an endoscopic transnasal approach is the best choice for such huge mucoceles because it is the least invasive and can provide an adequate surgical field of view for wide marsupialization. However, the results of long-term follow-up after endoscopic transnasal surgery have not been reported. This study was designed to evaluate prospectively the postoperative course of patients with intracranially extended mucocele. In the last 5 years, we have operated on four patients with intracranially extended mucocele. Although postoperative scanning is not recommended routinely after surgery for inflammatory disease, we followed up two patients who consented by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) along with endoscopy. Dural descent to the original skull base plane necessitated long periods of follow-up, lasting 18 and 5 months, respectively. On the mucocele wall mucosa, which had been smooth during surgery, polyps and granulations developed after surgical drainage and lasted for a considerable time. Although endoscopic transnasal opening of mucocele is a method of choice, we recommend follow-up of such patients for long periods, at least until the frontal skull base dura returns to its original position.

The difference in anatomical and invasive characteristics between primary and secondary paranasal sinus mucoceles

Objective

To evaluate the difference in anatomical and invasive characteristics of primary and secondary paranasal sinus mucoceles.

Study Design

A retrospective chart review at a tertiary academic center.

Results

During a 10-year period, 57 and 109 patients with primary and secondary mucoceles were enrolled, respectively. Thirty-five (61.4%) of primary and 26 (23.9%) of secondary mucoceles had intraorbital extension (IOE), while seven (12.3%) of primary and two (1.8%) of secondary mucoceles had intracranial extension (ICE). In comparison of tendency for IOE or ICE between primary and secondary mucoceles in each sinus, only primary maxillary mucoceles were shown to have a significantly higher probability of IOE than secondary maxillary mucoceles. Among primary mucoceles, ethmoid mucoceles had a significantly greater capability to cause IOE while maxillary mucoceles had the least. Among secondary mucoceles, frontal and ethmoid mucoceles had a greater ability to cause IOE while maxillary mucoceles had the least. As for ICE, sphenoid mucoceles had a greater potential in both groups.

Conclusions

Primary mucoceles seem to have a greater potential to cause IOE and ICE than secondary mucoceles. In both groups, ethmoid mucoceles have a higher potential of IOE, while sphenoid mucoceles have a greater tendency to cause ICE.

Surgical Management of Paranasal Sinus Mucoceles: A Long-Term Study of 60 Cases

Paranasal sinus mucocele is a benign pseudocystic lesion, which may originate from any of the sinus cavities. Although the diagnosis may be suggested by the clinical presentation, CT is necessary to accurately analyze the regional anatomy and extent of the lesion. MRI is helpful in defining the limited unusual lesions occurring in critical areas. Standard treatment is surgical marsupialization, through endonasal sinus surgery, which offers a conservative, minimally invasive approach, and respects the sinus architecture and natural drainage. Our long-term experience with the endonasal endoscopic approach for the treatment of mucoceles led us to subsequently expand our indications to include most mucoceles, either as the sole approach or associated with an external approach. Comprising the surgical experience of two collaborating universities, this paper describes the indications for the endonasal surgical approach and the long-term postoperative followup.

Long-term radiological findings after endonasal endoscopic approach to the skull base

OBJECTIVE

To study the long-term radiological findings after endonasal endoscopic approach to the skull base.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Prospective study that included 55 patients who underwent advance endoscopic skull base surgery. All patients were evaluated with MRI before, 3 months and 12 months after surgery. We used the Lund-Mackay staging system for chronic rhinosinusitis to evaluate the paranasal cavities and the sinonasal scoring system to assess sinonasal symptoms.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients (30.9%) underwent extended endonasal approach that required a nasoseptal flap (NSF) for reconstruction of skull base. At baseline the mean total Lund-Mackay score was 0.63 ± 1.2 (range 0-4), and at 3 and 12 months postoperatively the mean scores were 3.5 ± 3.8 (range 0-14) and 2.0 ± 2.5 (range 0-8) respectively. Patients who needed an NSF for reconstruction had a greater Lund-Mackay score (p<0.05). Moreover, NSF is correlated with sinonasal mucosal thickening and fluid retention at 3 months (r=0.45, p<0.01) and 12 months (r=0.4, p<0.01). Total 5-symptom score (T5SS) was similar between both groups at baseline. Patients with extended endoscopic approach reported more smell loss (40.1 ± 26.2; p<0.05) and posterior nasal discharge (49.3 ± 30.1; p<0.05) than TTEA patients (21.6 ± 30.9 and 22.5 ± 27.5 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

We observed that sinus opacity is still present after one year of advance endoscopic skull base surgery but symptoms seems to return to basal after 12 months of follow-up.

Complicated fronto-orbital mucopyocele presenting with proptosis: a case report

Mucoceles are cystic lesions of the paranasal sinuses which develop as a result of accumulation of mucous secretion due to obstruction of the ostium of the sinuses. Despite their benign behavior, they may enlarge progressively and project into adjacent structures by destructing the bony walls of the sinuses. Frontal mucoceles may get infected and extend towards orbital cavity and compress the orbit by eroding the bony walls of the orbital cavity. Endoscopic and external approaches are performed in the surgical treatment. We report a case of complicated fronto-orbital mucopyocele which eroded the orbital roof and extended into the orbital cavity and discuss the surgical treatment strategy under the light of the current literature.

Endoscopic marsupialisation of the lateral frontal sinus mucocele with orbital extension: a case report

Introduction:

Frontal sinus mucoceles are the commonest among all paranasal mucoceles. With introduction of functional endoscopic sinus surgery, surgeons prefer endoscopic management of sinus mucoceles, but lesions that appear in the lateral part of the frontal sinus can be difficult to access and often need external approaches.

Case Presentation:

We described a lateral frontal sinus mucocele with intra-orbital extension, which was successfully managed by endoscopic sinus surgery.

Conclusions:

Endoscopic sinus surgery is the treatment of choice in most frontal sinus mucoceles including lateral frontal mucoceles.

Intracranial mucocele formation in the context of longstanding chronic rhinosinusitis: A clinicopathologic series and literature review

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) can lead to serious long-term adverse sequelae, particularly if left untreated. The aim of this study was to describe a series of intracranial mucoceles (ICMs) that arose in the context of longstanding CRS combined with a review of the pertinent literature. A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients who developed ICMs in association with CRS between 2003 and 2012. The clinical presentation, radiographic features, surgical approach, intraoperative findings, and patient outcome were examined in the context of a literature review. Sixty-five cases of mucoceles were identified in patients with a history of CRS, of which seven (10.8%) were intracranial. Five patients were men and two were women with a mean age of 42.1 years. Headache, facial pressure, retro-orbital pain, and visual disturbances were the most common presenting symptoms. Five of the seven had previously undergone sinonasal surgery. Imaging studies showed ICMs involving the anterior cranial fossa, two of which were bilateral. Latency between onset of CRS and ICM detection ranged from 3 to 19 years (mean, 9.4 years). All patients underwent endoscopic transnasal drainage with three also requiring a concurrent, open neurosurgical procedure to access the intracranial component. There were no postoperative complications, and no recurrences were observed after a mean follow-up of 2.7 years. ICMs presenting as delayed complications of CRS are uncommon and constitute a surgical challenge. Open, external skull base approaches used in conjunction with transnasal endoscopic drainage procedures may be necessary to achieve successful management of this rare condition.

Giant mucocele originating from the middle concha in a 5-year-old child: a case report

INTRODUCTION

Mucoceles are mucus-filled, epithelial-lined sacs that slowly develop in the paranasal sinuses when sinus or concha bullosa drainage is obstructed by inflammatory processes, trauma, or prior surgery. They are extremely rare in children. Symptoms usually arise from the nasal obstruction or compression of neighboring structures.

CASE PRESENTATION

This case report describes a 5-year-old Turkish boy with a 3-year history of nasal obstruction. A computed tomography scan showed a well-defined soft tissue density lesion, seemingly originating in the region of the middle concha and was suggestive of a middle concha mucocele. The mass was removed by endoscopic sinus surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

In the case of a child presenting with nasal obstruction, mucocele should be remembered in the differential diagnosis of intranasal tumors. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are helpful in making the diagnosis and endoscopic nasal surgery has proven successful in the treatment.

Assessment of mucocele formation after endoscopic nasoseptal flap reconstruction of skull base defects

Advances in endoscopic skull base (SB) surgery have led to the resection of increasingly larger cranial base lesions, resulting in large SB defects. These defects have initially led to increased postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks. The development of the vascularized pedicled nasoseptal flap (PNSF) has successfully reduced postoperative CSF leaks. Mucocele formation, however, has been reported as a complication of this technique. In this study, we analyze the incidence of mucocele formation after repair of SB defects using a PNSF. A retrospective review was performed from December 2008 to December 2011 to identify patients who underwent PNSF reconstruction for large ventral SB defects. Demographic data, defect site, incidence of postoperative CSF leaks, and rate of mucocele formation were collected. Seventy patients undergoing PNSF repair of SB defects were identified. No postoperative mucocele formation was noted at an average radiological follow-up of 11.7 months (range, 3–36.9 months) and clinical follow-up of 13.8 months (range, 3–38.9 months), making the overall mucocele rate 0%. The postoperative CSF leak rate was 2.9%. Proper closure of SB defects is crucial to prevent CSF leaks. The PNSF is an efficient technique for these repairs. Although this flap may carry an inherent risk of mucocele formation when placed over mucosalized bone during repair, we found that meticulous and strategic removal of mucosa from the site of flap placement resulted in a 0% incidence of postoperative mucocele formation in our cohort.

Frontal sinus mucocele with orbital complications: Management by varied surgical approaches

A mucocele of a para-nasal sinus is an accumulation of mucoid secretion and desqua-mated epithelium within the sinus with distension of its walls and is regarded as a cyst like expansile and destructive lesion. If the cyst invades the adjacent orbit and continues to expand within the orbital cavity, the mass may mimic the behavior of many benign growths primary in the orbit. The frontal sinus is most commonly involved, whereas sphenoid, ethmoid, and maxillary mucoceles are rare. Floor of frontal sinus is shared with the superior orbital wall which explains the early displacement of orbit in enlarging frontal mucoceles. Frontal sinus mucoceles are prone to recurrences if not managed adequately. Here, we are evaluating different approaches used to manage various stages of frontal mucoceles which presented to us with orbital complications. Three cases of frontal sinus mucocele are discussed which presented to our OPD with different clinical symptoms and all cases were managed by different surgical approaches according to their severity. We also concluded that it is prudent to collaborate with the neurosurgeons for adequate management of such complex mucoceles by a craniotomy approach.

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.

Frontal sinus mucoceles presenting in the upper eyelid: an easily missed diagnosis

Frontal sinus mucoceles are epithelium-lined mucus-containing sacs that are capable of bony expansion causing a spectrum of ophthalmological symptoms. If left untreated, they can erode the thin sinus wall causing life-threatening complications such as meningitis. We would like to alert the clinicians to this diagnosis that can be easily misdiagnosed. The first patient appeared to have an allergic blepharo-conjunctivitis that was not responding to topical and systemic medications. The second patient presented with recurrent preseptal cellulitis unresponsive to oral antibiotics. CT imaging of both patients revealed frontal sinus mucoceles. Both patients recovered well with sinus surgery. Management of these patients needed a close liaison with our ENT and radiology colleagues to warrant a good outcome.

[Ethmoid sinus mucocele penetrating to the orbit and anterior cranial fossa - case report]

Paranasal sinus mucocele is the cystic formation lined by inflammatory changed mucoperiosteum. This is slow-growing pathology with a tendency to bone erosion. The symptoms are dependent on the direction of the penetration, and are as follows: increasing headaches, deformations of frontal or orbital region, ophthalmic manifestations such as lacrimation, decreased visual acuity, exophthalmos, ocular movement limitation, diplopia. The most common location of the mucocele is fronto-ethmoid region. The most useful diagnostic tests are a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a computed tomography (CT) which show the progress of the disease and bone destructions. Surgery is the only method of treatment (external approach or FESS). This paper reports the case of a 74-year-old woman with ethmoid mucocele penetrating into the orbit, frontal sinus and anterior cranial fossa with compression of frontal lobe of the brain. The patient underwent CT and MRI and was treated with endoscopic intranasal marsupialization of the cyst. There are no clinical signs of disease recurrence 7 months after surgery. The endoscopic surgical management in treatment of sinus mucocele is a good alternative to the operation from external approach because of its low invasiveness, low complication risk, rapid healing and good therapeutic effects.

Giant frontal mucocele complicated by subdural empyema: treatment of a rare association

Giant frontal mucocele (GFM) is an extremely rare cause of frontal lobe syndrome. Subdural empyema (SDE) is an uncommon complication of paranasal sinisutis, for which craniotomy and decompressive craniotomy are the most effective surgical procedures. A 54-year-old man was brought unconscious to the emergency room where recurrent generalized seizures occurred. Heroine abuse, HCV-related hepatitis, prolonged antibiotic therapy for treatment of purulent rhinorrhea, along with recent personality changes were reported. High white blood cell count, pansinusitis, GFM, SDE and cerebritis were documented. The patient underwent bifrontal craniotomy in emergency, extensive drilling of the inner aspect of the frontal bone, surgical toilet of the enlarged frontal sinus and its "cranialization". Prevotella intermedia and Fusobacterium nucleatum were isolated and antibiotic therapy was started intravenously and then continued orally for 3 months. 2 years later the patient has recovered, though minor signs of frontal lobe syndrome persist. To the authors knowledge, this is the first case of GFM with SDE reported in the literature. Although decompressive craniectomy is advocated in extreme conditions, as in this case, "internal decompressive craniectomy", obtained with craniotomy and cranialization of the frontal sinuses, is strongly advocated in cases of SDE associated with megasinuses.

Unilateral ophthalmoplegia secondary to anterior clinoid process mucocele

A 50-year-old Chinese man presented with rapidly progressive unilateral ophthalmoplegia and then an ipsilateral afferent pupil defect. CT and MRI revealed a mass centered in the anterior clinoid process causing bone destruction and showing high T1 and T2 signal intensity indicative of mucosal protein secretion. These imaging features suggested a mucocele, which may have resulted from sequestration of a clinoidal extension of the sphenoid sinus. The sphenoid sinus was opened via an image-guided endoscopic approach, and the lesion incised. There were no complications. The ophthalmoplegia and afferent pupil defect had completely resolved within 1 week of surgery. This is the eighth reported case of anterior clinoidal mucocele, a rare cause of ophthalmoplegia or optic neuropathy. Advances in endoscopic instrumentation, navigation systems, and intraoperative imaging have reduced the operative risk and made the endoscopic approach a feasible and safer alternative to open surgery for this condition.

Proposed classification for the transbasal approach and its modifications

The transbasal approach offers extradural exposure of the anterior midline skull base transcranially. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including trauma, craniofacial deformity, and tumors. This approach has been modified to enhance basal access. This article reviews the principle differences among modifications to the transbasal approach and introduces a new classification scheme. The rationale is to offer a uniform nomenclature to facilitate discussion of these approaches, their indications, and related issues.

Anteromedial approach to the orbit

This study evaluated the surgical results of the anteromedial approach for treatment of orbital lesions in 16 patients. Pre- and postoperatively, all patients underwent a complete physical examination focusing on the head and neck area including a thorough ophthalmologic evaluation, computerized tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. The surgical approach was limited to a medial orbitotomy in five patients; the remaining 11 patients underwent a medial orbitotomy combined with an external sphenoethmoidectomy. The tumor was removed completely without damaging the intraorbital neurovascular structures in all but one patient whose recurrent clival chordoma extended beyond the limits of an extracranial approach. Fibro-osseous lesions, cavernous hemangiomas, and dermoid cysts were the most common pathologies. The follow-up ranged from 18 to 48 months, and no patient has shown evidence of a recurrence. One patient with a clival chordoma received radiation therapy. The lateral nasal skin incision healed with acceptable cosmetic results. The anteromedial approach to the orbit provides a wider working space and direct exposure while protecting neurovascular structures.

Sphenoethmoidal mucocele masquerading as trochlear palsy

Acquired vertical strabismus is commonly caused by superior oblique muscle palsy, often resulting from blunt head trauma or vascular problems, and less often from brain tumors, meningitis, and aneurysms. To date, mucoceles in the ethmoid sinus have rarely been reported as a cause for superior oblique muscle palsy. We report a case of trochlear nerve palsy and subsequent optic neuropathy caused by a mucocele in the ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses.

An unusual presentation of inverted papilloma: case report and literature review

Objective:

Inverted papilloma is a rare but locally aggressive tumour with the potential for malignant transformation. Intracranial extension or complications secondary to inverted papilloma are extremely rare. We report a case of inverted papilloma with a large frontal sinus mucocele eroding the frontal sinus, which presented with sudden neurological compromise. A literature review on intracranial extension of such tumours is also included.

Methods:

A Medline search of articles, using the terms ‘inverted papilloma’, ‘Ringertz tumour’, ‘intracranial extension’ and ‘complication’. Suitable references from the collected articles were also reviewed. Articles published in English were selected and reviewed.

Results:

A total of 10 cases was identified. Intracranial spread was more commonly seen in recurrent cases, especially if the recurrence involved the cribriform plate, fovea ethmoidalis or orbits. Cases with extradural disease seemed to have a better prognosis than those with intradural spread.

Conclusions:

Intracranial involvement of inverted papilloma is extremely rare, and is usually seen in recurrent cases. This case report highlights an unusual but serious case of inverted papilloma presenting with acute neurological deterioration secondary to a large frontal sinus mucocele eroding the frontal sinus. A literature review on intracranial extension of inverted papilloma indicated that common sites of intracranial spread include the cribriform plate, fovea ethmoidalis and orbits. The prognosis for patients with such tumours depends on the type of dural involvement, with intradural extension carrying a poorer prognosis.

Giant Intradural Mucocele in a Patient with Adult Onset Seizures

A rare case of mucopyocele in a patient who presented with epileptic seizures is reported. The computed tomography scan (CT) and the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed an intradural extension of a giant fronto-ethmoidal mucopyocele, eroding the cribriform plate and compressing both frontal lobes. The lesion was removed by craniotomy with elimination of the mass effect and reconstruction of the anterior skull base. An intracranial-intradural mucopyocele is an extremely rare cause of generalized convulsion as a presenting symptom, with only 6 cases reported in the literature. The total removal of the lesion associated with anterior fossa reconstruction is the treatment of choice.

Delayed development of mucocele in the fractured frontal sinus

We present a case of delayed mucocele in the frontal sinus which occurred in 8 years after the initial trauma.A 56-year-old man visited the hospital with a complaint of his left eye protruding for years. Eight years prior, he fell down stairs and sustained an injury on the head and was diagnosed to have a fracture of the anterior wall of frontal sinus. Frontal sinus mucosa was extirpated, and the space was obliterated with bovine artificial bone.Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scans demonstrated an enlargement of the left orbit, measuring 4.0 cm x 2.6 cm, occupied by a huge mucocele. Through a bicoronal approach, a rectangular window (2 x 3 cm) was made on the anterior wall of frontal sinus. The grafted bovine bone was taken out to reach the mucocele, which distended down to the orbit. The mucocele was open, and yellowish, thick, pus-like content was drained out with suction. Mucosa of the mucocele was removed as much as possible. The periorbita held in absence of most part of the orbital roof. Craniotomy site was undone after a free drainage of mucocele into the nasal cavity was ensured.The exhaustive ablation of all mucosa is a surgical principle to rid ultimate mucocele and depends on competent surgeons performing the procedure thoroughly.

Ethmoid mucocele presenting as an orbital mass

This is a case of an 11-year-old male with an ethmoid sinus mucocele who presented to our emergency department with an orbital mass. This mucocele was most likely related to an ipsilateral orbital subperiosteal abscess that required endoscopic drainage 9 years ago. Mucoceles are mucus-filled, epithelial-lined sacs that slowly develop in the paranasal sinuses when sinus drainage is obstructed by inflammatory processes, trauma, or prior surgery. They are rare in children and should be suspected in patients with progressive headache or orbital complaints.

[Mucoceles of the paranasal sinuses]

INTRODUCTION

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.

AIM OF THIS STUDY

was clinical analysis of treatment results taking into consideration the method of surgical treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

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.

RESULTS

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.

CONCLUSIONS

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.

Giant mucoceles of the frontal sinus: a series and review

Giant mucoceles of the frontal sinus are a rare pathology but their recognition is important in the differential diagnosis of paediatric proptosis and fronto-orbital lesions. Four patients with giant mucoceles of the frontal sinus were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients were females in the paediatric age group presenting with massive cosmetically unacceptable bony swelling in the frontal region along with unilateral extra-axial proptosis. Radiological imaging revealed giant mucoceles of the frontal sinus with extracranial, orbital and anterior cranial fossa extension. One patient had co-existent craniofacial fibrous dysplasia. Single stage surgery was performed in three patients and two-stage surgery in one. Fronto-orbital craniotomy, removal of the posterior wall of the sinus, obliteration of the sinus and its ostium, dural repair and remodeling cranioplasty were performed. Histopathological examination revealed mucoceles in all, and co-existant fibrous dysplasia in one patient. All the patients made excellent cosmetic recoveries with complete resolution of their visual symptoms. Their clinical presentation, radiological manifestations and treatment modalities are analyzed and an extensive review of the literature is presented. Our case of giant frontal mucocele associated with fibrous dysplasia is furthermore the first such report in the existing medical literature.

Management of frontoethmoidal mucoceles with orbital extension: is primary orbital reconstruction necessary?

PURPOSE

Sinus mucoceles with orbital extension are often managed primarily by an otolaryngologist to relieve the sinus obstruction. In this study, a series of patients was examined to determine whether or not reconstruction of the orbit was necessary at the time of the initial sinus surgery from the perspective of an orbital surgeon often involved in the comanagement of orbital complications of sinus mucoceles.

METHODS

A retrospective interventional case series of 5 patients with frontoethmoidal mucoceles comanaged by otolaryngology and oculoplastics. We reviewed symptoms, clinical findings, course, and treatment of our patients and reviewed the literature regarding management options for frontoethmoidal mucoceles.

RESULTS

In extended follow-up, clinical resolution of presenting orbital symptoms and radiographic evidence of reformation of the bony orbit was noted without the need for orbital reconstruction at the time of the initial sinus surgery for a sinus mucocele with orbital extension.

CONCLUSIONS

A specific subset of sinus mucoceles with orbital extension may resolve by primary sinus surgery alone. A decision on the relative merits of orbital surgery at the time of primary sinus surgery should be made on a case-by-case basis.

Intracranial epidural mucocele in a cat

An 18-month-old, spayed female, domestic shorthaired cat was presented with clinical signs of depression and reluctance to walk, which progressed to nonambulatory tetraparesis. Increased opacification of both frontal sinuses and a cyst-like abnormality causing compression and displacement of the right frontal lobe were seen on computed tomography. Bilateral frontal sinus trephination and right transfrontal craniotomy revealed clear, viscous fluid in the right frontal sinus and rostral fossa, compatible with an intracranial mucocele. At a 6-month follow-up examination, no signs of recurrence were appreciated.

Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea as the presenting symptom of sellar pathologies: three demonstrative cases

Spontaneous rhinorrhea due to sellar pathologies is a rare and insidious disease that may represent a diagnostic challenge. Since the precipitating cause is not apparent in most patients, delayed diagnosis and/or improper treatments are not uncommon and may be detrimental for the patients. The precise mechanisms of such rhinorrhea are still incompletely understood. Proposed etiological factors include constant cerebrospinal fluid pulsations against the anterior skull base transmitted by primitive or acquired arachnoid invaginations in combination with either elevated ICP or congenital/pathologic erosions of sellar and parasellar bone structures. Advances in the diagnosis and surgical techniques have recently modified the decision-making approach to this pathology. The present paper reports three unusual cases of sellar pathologies revealed by rhinorrhea as the first symptom discussing controversial issues on pathogenesis, complications and current management of this kind of fistula.

Evaluating Tumors and Tumorlike Lesions of the Nasal Cavity, the Paranasal Sinuses, and the Adjacent Skull Base With Diffusion-Weighted MRI

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship of apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) to the malignant degree and the histopathological features of the lesions in the nasal cavity, the paranasal sinuses, and the adjacent skull base.

METHOD

We evaluated the differences of the ADCs between the malignancies (n=18) and the benign lesions (n=6). The correlations between lesion ADCs and lesion cellularity, stroma, and necrosis were calculated.

RESULTS

The ADCs of the malignancies were significantly lower than the benign lesions (P<0.0125). The ADCs were inversely correlated with tumor cellularity (P<0.01, r=-0.556).

CONCLUSIONS

ADCs provide quantitative information that has limited utility in the differential diagnosis between malignant and benign lesions. The correlation of the histopathology of a lesion with ADCs is quite complex and affected by numerous tumor components besides cellularity including keratin, collagen, myxoid stroma, and necrosis.

Giant mucocele of the frontal sinus

Giant mucocele of the frontal sinus is a rare pathology of benign entity caused by retention of mucous secretions in the sinus. It may expand and erode the surrounding structures such as bones and cerebral parenchyma. The authors describe a patient with frontal giant mucocele involving the orbit, the ethmoid, and intracranial portion of the dura. The main presenting symptoms were diplopia and proptosis. A computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging were performed to permit differential diagnosis from other pathologies such as ossifying fibroma, fibrous dysplasia, and other neoplasms. A single stage maxillofacial and neurosurgical approach to treatment was taken consisting in the removal of the mucocele and reconstruction of the eroded bones with cranial bone grafts. The dura was repaired with temporalis muscle fascia sealed with fibrin glue. Two years after surgery, the patient shows no recurrence and satisfactory morphologic and functional results.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea: Diagnosis and Management

Advances in imaging and endoscopic techniques have improved the ability to diagnose, localize, and treat in a less morbid fashion CSF leaks of the anterior skull base. An appreciation for the mechanism of leak and of the relationship between CSF production and absorption must be kept in mind when individualizing a repair. Increased CSF pressure caused by overproduction or underabsorption may result in persistence of a leak despite one's best efforts. Numerous advances in dural replacement grafts and tissue sealants have improved the ability to achieve watertight closure of the cranial vault. Microvascular techniques have allowed larger defects previously not reconstructable to be handled with relative ease by trained personnel. With expanded reconstructive techniques, the ability to handle larger disease processes of the skull base continues to expand.

Fronto-orbital mucoceles: our experience

Frontal sinus mucoceles are rare benign neoplasms that can result in bony erosion extending from the borders of the sinus into the orbital cavity. The authors report the fronto-orbital mucoceles they have observed in the last 8 years. The authors used an "open surgery" approach in 12 fronto-orbital mucoceles, characterized by an osteoplastic frontal flap, through a coronal incision or Lynch incision. In this way, they were able to expose the frontal sinus and to remove completely the mucocele from the periorbita. Only one recurrence is reported 2 years after surgery. Excellent aesthetic results have been reached in all cases. In the literature, many different positions are reported for the treatment of mucoceles. The endoscopic surgery of the paranasal sinuses has become the procedure of choice for mucoceles of maxillary, ethmoidal, and sphenoidal sinuses. However, few authors have recommended the endoscopic approach for frontal mucoceles. The indications and limitations of endoscopic and "open" surgery are critically discussed in the light of the authors' personal experience and current literature.

Management of intracranial complications of sinus surgery

Endoscopic sinus surgery has an impressive and continually im-proving safety record. Increasing surgical experience and improved techniques and equipment make this procedure fundamentally safe. Anatomic variations, extensive disease, and the tight confines that the sinuses occupy between the skull base and orbits, however, do allow the possibility of untoward events. Many of these complications are minor, but the potential for significant morbidity, including blindness, diplopia, cerebrospinal fluid fistula with or without meningitis, intracranial brain injury, and hemorrhage from internal carotid artery injury, is real. This article discusses the avoidance and management of these complications.

Intraorbital mucocele associated with old minor trauma--case report

A 46-year-old white man complained of swelling in the left orbital region. The only significant event in his medical history was minor trauma which occurred during ice hockey 15 years previously. On admission, the only clinical finding was left-sided exophthalmos. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a left intraorbital cystic mass lesion. The cystic mass was completely removed through a left subfrontal extradural approach. There was no anatomical contact with the paranasal sinuses and the orbital walls were intact. The cystic mass was isolated in the orbital cavity. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of mucocele. Generally, the cause of mucocele is chronic sinusitis, but we suspect that the old minor trauma was the most likely cause in the present case.

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.

Osteoma of the frontal sinus complicated by intracranial mucocele

We present a rare case of intracranial mucocele associated with frontal sinus osteoma in a patient suffering from generalized convulsion. The intracranial mucocele occurs as a complication of obstruction of sinus drainage caused by osteoma, but it is often diagnosed preoperatively as an intracranial or intracerebral cyst because of the rarity of these combined lesions in neurosurgical practice. However, once the mucocele extends intracranially, several other complications, including infections and/or a convulsion, can occur, indicating the necessity for surgical treatment. Moreover, the differentiation of the mucocele from the intracranial endodermal cyst predominantly depends upon its continuity with the intracranial osteoma portion or the sinus. Thus, knowledge of this rare lesion is important for accurate diagnosis and clinical management.