Paranasal Sinus Mucoceles in Cystic Fibrosis

Abstract

Six patients between the ages of 6 and 22 years old with cystic fibrosis were found to have mucoceles of the paranasal sinuses. Four were male and two were female. They experienced nasal obstruction, purulent rhinorrhea, and anosmia, but none had fever or pain. Nasal endoscopy and coronal computerized tomography scans revealed the lateral nasal wall to be displaced medially against the septum. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery revealed large cystic spaces filled with thick yellow-green mucus. Postoperatively most patients are able to smell and breathe through their noses. The mucocele probably begins as an obstructed anterior ethmoid cell, which then enlarges and obstructs the osteomeatal complex, which further impairs drainage of the other sinuses into this area.