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Published on: March 1, 2015
Sphenoethmoidal mucocele masquerading as trochlear palsy
Mikiko Kimakura1, Akio Oishi, Kazuaki Miyamoto
1Department of Ophthalmology, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, 4-6 Minatojima Nakamachi, Kobe, Hyougo, Japan. matsubara-tky@umin.ac.jp
Summary
Superior oblique muscle palsy, causing acquired vertical strabismus, is rarely due to sinus mucoceles. This study details a case where a mucocele in the ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses led to trochlear nerve palsy and optic neuropathy.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Otorhinolaryngology
Background:
- Acquired vertical strabismus is frequently associated with superior oblique muscle palsy.
- Common causes include head trauma and vascular issues; rarer causes involve tumors, meningitis, and aneurysms.
Observation:
- Mucoceles in the ethmoid sinus are an infrequent cause of superior oblique muscle palsy.
- This report presents a unique case involving a mucocele in the ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses.
Findings:
- The mucocele resulted in trochlear nerve palsy.
- The condition also led to secondary optic neuropathy.
Implications:
- This case highlights sinus mucoceles as a potential, albeit rare, cause of superior oblique muscle palsy.
- It underscores the importance of considering sinonasal pathology in the differential diagnosis of trochlear nerve palsy and optic neuropathy.
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