[Mucocele of the paranasal sinus. CT assessment]

The authors report 7 cases of mucoceles of the paranasal sinuses evaluated with plain films and CT. All patients were submitted to surgery. Five patients were affected with frontal mucoceles and 4 with sphenoid ones. In 2 cases the lesion was double. Symptoms were correlated with both site and compressive changes due to expansile growth. All cases were evaluated by means of axial and coronal pre- and post-contrast scans: a satisfactory morphological depiction of the lesion was always achieved. CT values were also calculated, and the relationship of mucocele to the adjacent structures was demonstrated. The modalities of expansile growth, the lack of enhancement in post-contrast scans, and the possible "ring sign" in cases with intracranial spread allow a correct radiological diagnosis. CT is the diagnostic method of choice for best lesion demonstration: it makes a correct diagnosis possible and allows the thorough evaluation of the involved structures for surgical planning.