PARANASAL SINUS MUCOCELE AND ITS COMPLICATIONS: RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS AND LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Mucocele is a true cystic expansile mass filled with mucus resulting from obstruction of the sinus ostia. Prompt diagnosis and management are needed to avoid complications due to the intracranial or intra-orbital extension. OBJECTIVES: To audit data of mucocele of the paranasal sinuses in a tertiary center, to review the literature regarding the clinical features and the management of mucocele in the paranasal sinus and to emphasize the iatrogenic causes of mucocele after the development of Endoscopic Skull Base Surgeries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of etiology, clinical presentation, sinuses involved, operative technique, complication, recurrence were interpreted. RESULTS: The mean age of 16 patients managed is 49. Location:37% frontal,19% ethmoidal,19% frontoethmoidal,19% sphenoidal,6% maxillary. The iatrogenic cause was 44%. Symptoms included proptosis, external swelling, nasal block, and discharge, and vision loss. Complications were orbital abscess and skull base defect. 14 patients underwent endoscopic procedures-excision or marsupialization. One patient underwent craniotomy; one patient combined approach was performed. One patient had a recurrence. CONCLUSION: Mucocele of the paranasal sinuses is still a rare clinical scenario and it is imperative to note that any delay in diagnosis and management can lead to expansion and erosion of the bony wall of the sinuses and causing complications.