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Giant frontal sinus mucocele mimicked a primary brain tumor: A case report
Hamidreza Shojaei1, Reza Mollahoseini2, Saeed Kargar-Soleimanabad3
1Department of Neurosurgery, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran.
Introduction:
Frontal sinus mucoceles commonly manifest with orbital complications. Intracranial complications, though rare, are significant in the differential diagnosis. Tumefactive and giant mucoceles can resemble intracranial tumors.
Case Presentation:
We present the case of a 24-year-old male patient who initially presented to our institution after experiencing a single generalized tonic-clonic seizure. Initial imaging revealed large masses in both frontal lobes. Surgical intervention revealed mucoceles originating from the frontal and paranasal sinuses.
Discussion:
Mucoceles are often misdiagnosed due to the wide variety of symptoms they can present. In particular, the tumefactive type of mucoceles can present brain tumors both clinically and radiologically.
Conclusion:
Mucoceles can manifest as tumefactive lesions, mimicking intracranial masses, and may present as perplexing neurological conditions.
Insights
Tumefactive frontal sinus mucoceles can mimic brain tumors, leading to misdiagnosis. This case highlights the importance of considering mucoceles in the differential diagnosis of intracranial masses presenting with neurological symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Frontal sinus mucoceles, though typically causing orbital issues, can rarely lead to intracranial complications.
- Tumefactive and giant mucoceles present a diagnostic challenge, often resembling intracranial tumors.
Observation:
- A 24-year-old male presented with a generalized tonic-clonic seizure.
- Initial imaging demonstrated large bilateral frontal lobe masses.
- Surgical exploration revealed mucoceles originating from the frontal and paranasal sinuses.
Findings:
- Frontal sinus mucoceles can manifest as tumefactive lesions.
- These lesions radiologically and clinically mimic intracranial tumors.
- Misdiagnosis is common due to varied presentations.
Implications:
- Highlights the need to include mucoceles in the differential diagnosis for intracranial masses.
- Emphasizes the importance of comprehensive evaluation for patients with seizures and apparent brain lesions.
- Underscores the potential for sinus pathology to present with severe neurological manifestations.
