Glass in the frontal sinus: 28-year delayed presentation

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Traumatology
• Radiology

Background:

• Delayed presentation of foreign bodies in the frontal sinus is uncommon.
• Computed tomography (CT) has reduced the incidence of such cases.
• Frontal sinusitis can arise from overlooked or retained foreign materials.

Observation:

• A patient presented with frontal sinusitis symptoms 28 years post-injury.
• The cause was identified as a glass foreign body within the frontal sinus.
• The injury was a road traffic accident.

Findings:

• A glass fragment, retained for 28 years, was the source of chronic frontal sinusitis.
• Imaging confirmed the foreign body's precise location within the sinus.
• Literature review indicates infrequent but significant cases of delayed foreign body presentation.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of thorough evaluation in persistent sinusitis, even years after trauma.
• Radiological imaging remains crucial for diagnosing retained foreign bodies.
• Long-term complications of seemingly minor head trauma can occur, necessitating comprehensive follow-up.