Sphenoethmoidal mucocele presenting with unilateral visual loss

Bilateral compressive optic neuropathy secondary to sphenoid sinus mucocele mimicking bilateral retrobulbar neuritis

Sphenoid sinus mucoceles (SSMs) can rarely cause acute bilateral vision loss. We, hereby, report such a rare case of SSM in a 20-year-old female who presented with sudden onset bilateral diminution of vision. The best-corrected visual acuity was 20/400 in the right eye (RE) and hand movements in the left eye (LE). Both eyes had sluggish pupillary reactions. Both eyes had normal fundus. Initial treatment was started with a provisional diagnosis of bilateral retrobulbar neuritis, but imaging revealed a large SSM compressing bilateral optic nerves. The patient underwent urgent surgical decompression. Vision in RE improved to 20/20 and LE to 20/400. A high index of clinical suspicion for compressive lesions is needed in all cases of atypical optic neuritis.

Recurred Sphenoethmoidal Mucocele After Treated With Simple Endoscopic Marsupialization

ABSTRACT

Paranasal sinus mucocele is a mostly benign disease but can cause irreversible complications depending on its location. A sphenoethmoidal mucocele (SEM) can cause compressive neuropathy due to its proximity to the optic nerve. Urgent endoscopic marsupialization is considered the treatment of choice for SEM. However, there is a scarcity regarding recurrence or operative size. Herein, the authors report a case of SEM that recurred after small endoscopic drainage. The patient was reoperated with wide cyst removal and nasal cavity ventilation expansion. Vision was partially resolved, and no recurrence was reported in the 6-month follow-up period.