[Acute and chronic sphenoid sinusitis. Review of the literature]

Abstract

Isolated involvement of the sphenoid sinus is a relatively uncommon entity. We present a review of the most important series. Acute and chronic diseases are separated. Acute sphenoid sinusitis is a potentially catastrophic infectious disease. It is frequently initially misdiagnosed, and, due to the severe intracranial complications, a genuine medical and surgical treatment is recommended. Chronic sphenoid lesions may pose a problem of etiologic diagnosis. It may be difficult to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions. The most common presenting symptom is headache, followed by visual symptoms and cranial nerves palsies. Radiographically, computed tomography is the gold standard. Treatment includes antibiotic therapy and surgical drainage. This drainage is now done through an endoscopic approach.