Antral mucoceles: a new look

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Radiology
• Pathology

Background:

• Antral mucoceles are a significant subset of paranasal sinus mucoceles, accounting for approximately 10% of cases.
• Primary antral mucoceles typically involve the entire maxillary sinus and stem from inflammatory, allergic, or malignant conditions.
• Postoperative mucoceles present distinct etiologies and radiographic appearances, often affecting only a portion of the antrum.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the radiographic characteristics of antral mucoceles.
• To report a rare case of an antral mucocele within a septated compartment of the maxillary sinus.
• To discuss the diverse causes, imaging findings, and differential diagnoses of antral mucoceles.

Main Methods:

• Review of radiographic findings in patients with antral mucoceles.
• Case report of a rare mucocele in a septated antral compartment.
• Discussion of etiology, imaging features, and differential diagnoses.

Main Results:

• Antral mucoceles are more prevalent than previously recognized.
• Radiographic review highlights typical and atypical presentations, including a rare case in a septated sinus.
• Etiologies range from inflammatory to malignant processes, with distinct imaging patterns for primary and postoperative mucoceles.

Conclusions:

• Antral mucoceles are a common entity with varied causes and presentations.
• Radiographic interpretation is crucial for diagnosis and differentiating from other antral pathologies.
• Understanding the distinct features of primary versus postoperative mucoceles aids in management.