Sphenoid sinus mucocele: Our experiences at a tertiary care teaching hospital of Eastern India

Abstract

Background: Sphenoid sinus mucocele is a benign expansile mucus-filled cystic lesion as a result of chronic obstruction of the sinus ostium. Because of its expansile, growth may affect nearby vital structures and result in the involvement of optic nerve and intracranial structures. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the details of patients with sphenoid sinus mucocele. Materials and Methods: In 5 years, we reported eight patients with mucocele in the sphenoid sinus. The detailed clinical presentations of these patients were documented. All the patients with sphenoid sinus mucocele were investigated with diagnostic nasal endoscopy and imaging such as computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the nose, paranasal sinuses, and brain. All underwent transnasal endoscopic transsphenoidal marsupialization of the mucocele in the sphenoid sinus. Results: There were eight patients diagnosed with sphenoid sinus mucocele. Out of eight patients, five (62.5%) were male and three (37.5%) were female with a male-to-female ratio of 1.66:1. The mean age of enrolled patients was 48.37 years. Out of eight patients with sphenoid sinus mucocele, three (37.5%) patients had allergic rhinitis, two (25%) patients had chronic sinusitis, and one (12.5%) patient had a history of radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Conclusion: Sphenoid sinus mucocele is a rare clinical condition. In this study, headache was the most common symptom. Allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and radiation to the head-and-neck region are important predisposing factors for causing sphenoid sinus mucocele. Orbital symptoms are indicators for prompt surgical intervention. Endoscopic sinus surgery is an effective and safe treatment option for sphenoid sinus mucocele.