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Case Reports
. 2012 Sep;6(3):369-72.
doi: 10.1007/s12105-012-0359-2. Epub 2012 May 24.

Paranasal sinus mucocele

Gregory G Capra  1 , Peter N Carbone, David P Mullin
Affiliations
Case Reports

Paranasal sinus mucocele

Gregory G Capra et al. Head Neck Pathol. 2012 Sep.

Abstract

Paranasal sinus mucoceles are epithelium-lined cystic masses usually resulting from obstruction of sinus ostia. They most frequently occur in the frontal and ethmoid sinuses. While ophthalmologic symptoms are most common, patients also report rhinological or neurological complaints. The close proximity of paranasal sinus mucoceles to the orbit and skull base predisposes the patient to significant morbidity. Computed tomography displays a non-enhancing homogenous mass with expansion of bony walls. Magnetic resonance imaging reveals variable intensity of T1-weighted images and a hyperintense mass on T2-weighted images. Histopathologically mucoceles have features of respiratory mucosa with areas of reactive bone formation, hemorrhage, fibrosis, and granulation tissue. Surgical excision is the standard treatment with trends towards endoscopic techniques.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Axial images of CT scan of orbits with contrast demonstrating a 4.4 × 4.2 × 3.3 cm mass consistent with a right ethmoid mucocele. The medial orbital wall has expanded and mass effect on the medial rectus and optic nerve is noted. Right-sided proptosis is also present
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Axial MR imaging of the brain with T1WI (a), T2WI (b), and contrast-enhanced T1WI (c) demonstrating an ethmoid mucocele causing mass effect on optic nerve and medial rectus
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Hematoxylin and eosin stain of ethmoid mucocele lined with ciliated pseudostratified respiratory-type epithelium with acute and chronic inflammatory infiltrates and fibrosis
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Hematoxylin and eosin stain demonstrating osseous erosion associated with the ethmoid mucocele
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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