Pneumatization of perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone and mucocele]

OBJECTIVE: To find out the prevalence of pneumatization of perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone, and to discuss the diagnosis and management of perpendicular plate mucocele (nasal septal mucocele). METHODS: The CT data from 32 patients with septal deviation were reviewed, and an unusual case of perpendicular plate mucocele was reported. RESULTS: Six cases (6/32, 18%) were found to have pneumatization of perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone, with 2 located in the anterior portion (frontal-septal pneumatization), and 4 located in the posterior portion (spheno-septal pneumatization). A patient with perpendicular plate mucocele was treated by the technique of marsupialization under nasal endoscope. This patient was followed-up for 10 months without recurrence. CONCLUSION: As a kind of variation of nasal septum, the clinical significance of pneumatization of perpendicular plate should be emphasized. We reported the first case of perpendicular plate mucocele, originated possibly from the pneumatization of perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone. Marsupialization under endoscope was considered to be the initial management for this unusual disease.