Diagnosis and surgical treatment of sphenoid mucoceles

Abstract

Introduction: Sinus mucoceles are benign cysts that may appear in any sinus, but only 1%-10% occur in the sphenoid sinus. Aim: We describe the cases of sphenoid sinus mucoceles seen at our centre over the last 25 years. Material and method: In a prospective review of all mucoceles diagnosed between 1989 and 2013, we identified 58 mucocels in 54 patients. Four of the 58 (7%) were sphenoid mucoceles. There were three female patients and one male, and ages ranged from 42 to 61 years. We performed an endoscopy, CT and MR in all patients to confirm diagnosis. Results: Three patients had had endoscopic endonasal surgery in the past. The presenting symptoms were headache in 3 patients, diplopia in two, and visual loss, causing blindness, in one. The patient with amaurosis requiered urgent surgery. All four patients underwent sphenoidotomy with marsupialisation by the endonasal endoscopic approach. They were discharged 48 hours later on oral antibiotics. No recurrences have been observed to date. Conclusions: Sphenoid mucocele is a rare disease, requiring prompt treatment in cases of amaurosis. Good results can be achieved with endonasal endoscopic marsupialisation