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Possible Skull Base Erosion After Prolonged Frontal Sinus Stenting.
Nathaniel H Reeve1, Harry H Ching2, Yuna Kim1
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 14722University of Nevada Las Vegas School of Medicine, NV, USA.
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal
|October 1, 2019
Summary
Prolonged frontal sinus stenting can lead to skull base erosion, a rare but serious complication. This case highlights the need for careful monitoring and timely stent removal after sinus surgery.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurosurgery
- Medical Device Complications
Background:
- Frontal sinus stenting aims to maintain nasofrontal duct patency post-surgery.
- Current recommendations suggest 6-month stenting, though longer durations have been reported without issue.
Observation:
- A 57-year-old female with chronic sinusitis presented with retained frontal sinus stents from 8 years prior.
- Imaging revealed pansinusitis and skull base erosion adjacent to the right frontal sinus stent.
Findings:
- Endoscopic sinus surgery confirmed posterior table erosion on the right side.
- Stent removal was performed without immediate signs of cerebrospinal fluid leak.
Implications:
- This case demonstrates a potential severe complication of prolonged frontal sinus stenting, challenging the notion of its universal safety.
- Recommends stent removal upon achieving stable nasofrontal duct patency and suggests periodic imaging for extended stenting durations.
