Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Nasal Brushing Sampling and Processing Using Digital High Speed Ciliary Videomicroscopy – Adaptation for the COVID-19 Pandemic
Published on: November 7, 2020
Ethmoid mucocele: a new feature of primary ciliary dyskinesia
Marco Berlucchi1, Roberto Maroldi, Alfred Aga
1Department of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy.
Insights
Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare genetic disorder affecting cilia, leading to chronic airway infections. A unique case highlights ethmoid mucocele and proptosis as potential diagnostic indicators for PCD in children.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Pediatrics
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare, inherited disorder characterized by impaired mucociliary clearance.
- This impairment typically results in recurrent upper and lower respiratory tract infections in affected children.
Observation:
- A 12-month-old boy presented with symptoms necessitating a diagnosis of PCD.
- The diagnostic process was prompted by the development of an ethmoid mucocele accompanied by ipsilateral proptosis.
Findings:
- The case report details a previously unrecognized clinical manifestation of PCD.
- Ethmoid mucocele with contralateral proptosis is presented as a potential new sign for PCD diagnosis.
Implications:
- Recognizing this association may lead to earlier diagnosis of PCD.
- Understanding these complications is crucial for managing patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia.
- This finding could improve diagnostic strategies and patient outcomes for this rare condition.
Abstract:
Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare congenital autosomal recessive disease that produces impairment of mucosal ciliary movement. Children with this disorder usually manifest recurrent and chronic infections of the upper and lower airways. We describe the history of a 12-month-old boy in whom the correct diagnosis of PCD was achieved after the occurrence of ethmoid mucocele associated with omolateral proptosis. A careful description of this new feature of PCD and its dangerous complications are also presented.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Mechanism of Ciliary Motion
The cilia are made up of microtubules in a 9+2 arrangement, with nine microtubule doublet ring bundles, surrounding a pair of central singlet microtubule bundles. The doublet microtubule bundles are...
Mechanism of Ciliary Motion
The cilia are made up of microtubules in a 9+2 arrangement, with nine microtubule doublet ring bundles, surrounding a pair of central singlet microtubule bundles. The doublet microtubule bundles are...
Microtubules in Signaling
Cranial Bones: Lateral View
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions. The flattened upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting...
Microbiome of the Eye

