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Enophthalmos, a sequela of maxillary sinusitis
1Department of Radiology, Huntington Memorial Hospital/Huntington Magnetic Resonance Center, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA.
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|April 1, 1995
Summary
Enophthalmos, or sunken eyes, can develop secondary to sinus infections. This case highlights a link between maxillary sinus disease and enophthalmos in a patient with a history of respiratory infection.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Ophthalmology
- Radiology
Background:
- Enophthalmos is a rare condition characterized by the posterior displacement of the eyeball within the orbit.
- While trauma and certain medical conditions are known causes, infectious etiologies are less commonly reported.
Observation:
- A 44-year-old woman presented with enophthalmos.
- She had a recent history of respiratory infection but no prior sinus disease.
- Imaging revealed right maxillary sinus opacification, septal deviation, osteomeatal complex obstruction, and reduced sinus volume.
Findings:
- Sinus radiography and Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging demonstrated significant pathology within the right maxillary sinus and related structures.
- These findings suggest a potential link between chronic or acute sinus inflammation and the development of enophthalmos.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering sinus pathology in the differential diagnosis of enophthalmos, even in the absence of overt sinus symptoms.
- Further investigation into the mechanisms connecting maxillary sinus disease and orbital changes may be warranted.