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Published on: January 17, 2018
Isolated sphenoid sinus disease - a retrospective analysis
B V Manjula1, Arun B Nair, A M Balasubramanyam
1Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, St. Johns Medical College and Hospital, Bangalore, 560 034 India.
Summary
Isolated sphenoid sinus disease (ISSD) is rare, often presenting with headache. Early diagnosis via endoscopy and CT, followed by endoscopic transnasal sphenoidotomy, is crucial for effective treatment and avoiding complications.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurosurgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Isolated sphenoid sinus disease (ISSD) is an uncommon condition.
- Diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion and should be an active process.
- Headache is the most frequent presenting symptom.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the etiology, symptoms, signs, imaging, surgical findings, and outcomes of isolated sphenoid sinus disease (ISSD).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 8 patients (aged 17-63) managed surgically for ISSD.
- Involved demographic data, clinical presentation, endoscopic and imaging findings, surgical pathology, and outcomes.
- Diagnostic tools included CT and/or MRI, and diagnostic nasal endoscopy.
Main Results:
- Headache (87.5%) and nasal obstruction (62.5%) were common symptoms.
- Pathologies included inflammatory conditions (62.5%), cerebrospinal fluid fistula (11.1%), and sphenoid sinus neoplasms (22.2%).
- Inflammatory cases comprised sphenochoanal polyps (40%) and fungal sinusitis (60%).
Conclusions:
- ISSD necessitates a high index of suspicion for accurate diagnosis.
- Diagnostic nasal endoscopy and CT imaging are essential.
- Endoscopic transnasal sphenoidotomy is a safe and effective surgical approach for ISSD, preventing associated morbidity.
