Capillary hemangioma of the ethmoid sinus. Case report and review of the literature

We report the rare observation of a 38-year-old man diagnosed with capillary hemangioma exclusively involving the ethmoid sinus. Complete resection was obtained via ethmoid endoscopy combined with an intracranial approach. Capillary hemangioma is a rare and benign vascular tumor in adults primarily developing in the skin and subcutaneous tissues of the head and neck, and/or within oral and nasal cavities. No hemangioma exclusively involving the ethmoid sinus has been previously reported. Complete resection is the treatment of choice, providing a favorable prognosis with low risk of recurrence.     

Primary malignant lymphoma in the sphenoid sinus with orbital apex syndrome; a case report]

Only 2.0-6.8% of extranodal malignant lymphomas are found in the nasal region and paranasal sinuses. Primary malignant lymphoma of the paranasal sinuses usually occurs in the maxillary or ethmoid sinuses, and is very rare in the sphenoid sinus. Here we report a rare case of primary malignant lymphoma of the sphenoid sinus that was found accompanying orbital apex syndrome. The patient's progressively deteriorating neurological condition was improved after surgery via the transsphenoidal approach. A 52-year-old man was admitted with reduced left visual acuity, diplopia, and retroorbital pain. CT showed an isodense mass in the sphenoid sinus with slight enhancement, and MRI showed that the lesion was slightly hypointense on T1-weighted images, hypointense on T2-weighted images, and slightly enhanced by Gd-DTPA. On January 19, 1989, the patient suddenly became blind. An operation via the transsphenoidal approach was done as an emergency procedure to decompress the sphenoid sinus and the left optic canal. The histological diagnosis was non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the diffuse large cell type (B cell lymphoma). Malignant lymphoma in the paranasal sinuses is usually biopsied and treated by chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy without surgical resection. In this rare case, an operation via the transsphenoidal approach was effective in improving the patient's visual acuity.     

Adenocarcinoma of the ethmoid sinus

Background. Carcinoma of the paranasal sinuses is rare. The majority of these originate in the maxillary sinus with primary ethmoid carcinomas occurring in up to 20% of cases. Adenocarcinomas comprise up to 50% of the ethmoid malignancy. The relative rarity of tumors originating in this area has led to their inclusion in series that consist mainly of maxillary antral tumors. Methods. A retrospective chart review of all patients presenting with primary ethmoid adenocarcinoma at West Virginia University Hospitals between 1988 and 1993 was undertaken. Only patients whose epicenter was believed to be in the ethmoids were included in this analysis. CT scans, MRIs, operative notes, pathology, and final outcome were all analyzed. Results. Eight patients with primary ethmoid adenocarcinoma were treated during this time span. The male to female ratio was 1:1 with a mean age of 50 years. Symptoms had been present from 3 to 18 months (mean 8 months). All patients underwent craniofacial resection with 5 patients receiving postoperative radiotherapy. Pathologically 4 patients had cribriform plate erosion, 2 had dural involvement, and 1 had extension into the sphenoid sinus. With a mean follow-up of 45 months (9–71 months) 7 patients are disease free and 1 patient has died of disease. Conclusions. Obtaining clear margins by craniofacial resection is essential to the management of adenocarcinoma of the ethmoid sinuses. Radiotherapy is reserved for positive margins, cribriform plate penetration, dural invasion, and high-grade lesions that are close to the cribriform plate. Local control was obtained in 87% of our patients. © 1995 Jons Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Neurofibrome isolé du sinus maxillaire

ObjectiveTo illustrate the rarity and difficulty diagnosing maxillary sinus neurofibroma through a case report.Patients and methodsA 35-year-old female consulted our department for left cheek swelling evolving over 6 months, upper gum swelling, and a dental occlusion disorder.ResultsA computed tomography scan showed a tumor of the left maxillary sinus with bone destruction. Histological examination of a biopsy fragment found an in situ carcinoma. A maxillary resection was performed to excise the tumor. Histological examination of the specimen showed a neurofibroma. No sign of recurrence was noted after 8 months of follow-up.ConclusionThe difficulty diagnosing maxillary sinus neurofibroma is related to its nonspecific clinical and radiological signs. Consequently, the otorhinolaryngologist must keep this rare histological variety in mind within the range of tumors of the paranasal sinuses.     

Case of frontal sinus carcinoma for which anterior skull base surgery was performed: application for resection of orbita

Carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses occupies only 3% of head and neck malignant tumors in the West, but 10% in Japan. Frontal sinus carcinoma is much rarer, occupying less than 1% of carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. In Japan, only 38 cases have been reported for 40 years, from 1924 to 1964. Almost all patients died within one year because only facial resection was performed. We report a case of frontal sinus carcinoma (squamous cell carcinoma) invasive the to skull base for which we performed anterior skull base surgery and can confirm two years survival in our institution. In this case, resection of the right orbit contents was performed, but careful consideration must be given to resection and repair of orbit contents for maintaining a patient's quality of life. Not only computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging but also angiography is thought to be useful, especially for the ophthalmic artery (in this case, the lacrimal artery) is important.     

Bone marrow metastases from small cell cancer of the head and neck

Background. Primary small cell carcinoma of the head and neck is rare. Although the larynx is the most prevalent site of head and neck small cell carcinoma (SCC), this report will concentrate on SCC of the major salivary glands and paranasal sinuses. In all, 33 cases of paranasal sinus and 43 cases of major salivary gland SCC have been reported in the literature. Methods. We report two patients, one with submandibular gland SCC and the other with maxillary sinus SCC. A literature review of all known paranasal sinus and major salivary gland SCC with inclusion of data from these two new cases is undertaken. Discussion of all past and present cases concentrates on sites of metastasis, treatment, and survival. Results. Paranasal sinus SCCs predominantly arise from the nasal cavity, whereas the parotid gland is the primary site in three fourths of major salivary gland SCCs. One half of major salivary gland and three fourths of paranasal sinus SCCs have only local disease at presentation. Both patients in this report developed bone marrow metastases, a feature heretofore not observed in SCC from these primary sites. The patient with maxillary sinus SCC developed the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). Conclusion. The paranasal sinus and major salivary glands are rare primary sites for SCCs. Long-term survival with local therapy in patients with local disease can occur, but in patients with metastatic disease survival mirrors metastatic pulmonary SCC. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Angiosarcoma of the maxillary sinus: literature review and case report

A rare case of angiosarcoma of the maxillary sinus is reported. Review of the literature concerning angiosarcoma of the head and neck revealed 14 previously published cases involving the nose, nasal sinuses, and nasopharynx. Angiosarcoma of the skin and soft tissues of the head and neck differs in behavior from that affecting the nose, nasal sinuses, and nasopharynx. The case reported presents the protracted clinical course of this malignant tumor.     

鼻内镜下上颌窦（扩大）内壁切除术在鼻内翻性乳头状瘤手术中的应用

目的探讨鼻内镜下上颌窦（扩大）内壁切除术在鼻内翻性乳头状瘤手术中的应用价值。方法回顾分析2002年1月～2006年12月采用鼻内镜下上颌窦（扩大）内壁切除术治疗鼻内翻性乳头状瘤10例的临床资料。结果10例均在鼻内镜下完全切除。10例随访12～72个月,平均30个月;术后仅1例术后1年后复发;10例均无溢泪发生。结论鼻内镜下上颌窦（扩大）内壁切除术在鼻内翻性乳头状瘤手术中的应用是可行的,基本接近鼻侧切开的手术范围;最大优点是可避免面部瘢痕、创伤小、手术视野清晰、能够准确完整地切除肿瘤、术后复发率低。     

Mucormycosis Presented with Facial Pain in a Renal Transplant Patient: A Case Report

IntroductionMucormycosis is a severe infection in renal transplant recipients. Here, we report a case of maxillary sinus mucormycosis in a patient who presented with a facial pain complaint.CaseA 51-year-old female patient with renal transplantation due to autosomal dominant, polycystic kidney disease and diabetic nephropathy was admitted to our hospital with facial pain and minimal edema of the left half of her face on the 8th month of transplantation. On physical examination, there was only tenderness and slight edema on the left half of the face. On the paranasal computed tomography, extensive soft tissue densities involving septations, filling the left maxillary sinus, extending to the nasal cavity, and obliterating the left osteometeal unit were observed. Because facial pain was not relieved by antibiotics and several, potent analgesic drugs on the second day, mucormycosis infection with bone involvement was suspected. A left maxillary sinus excision was performed. Microscopic examination of the debridement specimen revealed necrotic bone interspersed with fungal hyphae, and culture isolated Rhizopus oryzae. Liposomal amphotericin B was started. The patient was on tacrolimus, prednisolone, and mycophenolate mofetil. Tacrolimus was switched to cyclosporine to regulate serum glucose levels. The left maxillary sinus was washed with liposomal amphoterin B daily and curetted with intervals. The patient started dialysis because of severe renal function loss. The patient was discharged on the 96th day of liposomal amphotericin B.ConclusionIt should be kept in mind that mucormycosis may be present in the sinuses even if there is no evidence for nasal, oral, and dental examination in renal transplant patients with facial pain.     

Advanced adenoid cystic carcinoma of maxillary sinus: Rare case report and review of literature

IntroductionMaxillary sinus adenoid cystic carcinoma (MSACC) is a rare malignancy with a propensity for distant metastasisCase presentationWe report a case of a 55 years-old male who was admitted to our department with a complaint of right nasal obstruction and anosmia. Clinical examination, radiological investigations and histopathological examination found a mass compatible with advanced adenoid cystic carcinoma of the right maxillary sinus. Treatment consisted of radio chemotherapy.ConclusionAdenoid cystic carcinoma of the maxillary sinus may represent a serious diagnostic challenge. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis of Sino nasal tumors even if it’s rare.     

Verrucous carcinoma of the paranasal sinuses: case report and clinical update

BACKGROUND: Verrucous carcinoma is a low-grade malignancy that has been reported to occur in all anatomic sites of the head and neck. Fourteen cases of verrucous carcinoma of paranasal sinus origin have been reported to date in the English literature. METHODS: Case report and retrospective review of all cases of verrucous carcinoma of the paranasal sinuses in the English literature. All authors were contacted to provide missing data and long-term follow-up. RESULTS: Five of the eight authors contacted responded, and the most current data from all 15 cases was compiled. Eleven of the 15 patients (73%) were men and ranged in age from 35 to 81 years (median, 68 years). The maxillary sinus is the most common paranasal sinus involved (93%). Presentation often occurred late, with 12 of 15 (80%) initially being seen at stage T3 or higher. Surgical excision was the treatment of choice, and median disease-free survival was 54 months. CONCLUSIONS: Verrucous carcinoma of the paranasal sinuses is a rare but potentially curable disease. Treatment is surgical, and prognosis is good with early intervention.     

侵袭性鼻-眼-脑型毛霉菌病一例

目的探讨侵袭性鼻-眼-脑型毛霉菌病(ROCM)的临床特点,以提高对该病的认知。方法回顾性收集2020年10月26日于青岛市市立医院确诊的1例ROCM患者的临床资料,并分析该病的临床特点。结果1例侵袭性鼻-眼-脑型毛霉菌病的53岁女性患者,因头痛伴左侧鼻面部肿胀于至本院住院治疗,鼻窦CT提示左侧鼻窦、双侧筛窦黏膜增厚,有软组织影,上颌窦内侧壁骨质稍模糊。组织病理及血液送检结果提示米根霉菌阳性。虽然联合给予亚胺培南西司他丁、万古霉素、伏立康唑及两性霉素B抗感染治疗,但患者最终病情恶化,经抢救无效死亡。结论侵袭性鼻-眼-脑型毛霉菌病病情进展迅速,病死率高,对怀疑或者确诊的毛霉菌病患者,应立即进行系统性抗真菌治疗,并择机进行外科清创,可改善患者预后。     

Tumors of the paranasal sinuses: a therapeutic challenge

Cancer involving the ethmoid and sphenoid frontal sinus complex can be successfully eradicated by a combined transcranial and transfacial surgical dissection. Survival rates of 44 to 58 percent with a 3 percent hospital mortality rate in patients whose previous surgery or radiotherapy was largely unsuccessful suggest that this cosmetically acceptable surgical endeavor should be used more often by the head and neck surgeon in treating paranasal sinus cancer. Utilizing the principles of antibiotic prophylaxis, strict attention to principles of tumor removal and surgical technique, and the talents of the combined surgical and neurosurgical team, this aggressive surgical approach to the paranasal sinuses can be safely and successfully carried out. The approach described herein has the following advantages: it allows accurate evaluation of intracranial tumor extension while protecting the intracranial contents, it essentially avoids cerebrospinal fistulization, it provides adequate exposure for hemostasis, facilitates en bloc tumor resection, selectively conserves the orbital contents, and provides patient survival rates up to 58 percent for paranasal cancer that involves the ethmoid and sphenoid frontal sinus complex.     

Temporary unilateral amaurosis with pneumosinus dilatans of the sphenoid sinus

Pneumosinus dilatans (PSD), first described by Meyes in 1898, is an abnormal dilatation of one or more of the paranasal sinuses without bony erosion. The term sinus pneumocele indicates the presence of bony erosion. Review of the literature from 1968 to 1992 revealed 24 cases of idiopathic PSD and 17 cases of pneumocele of various paranasal sinuses. PSD occurred most commonly in the frontal sinus. Males were more often affected than females. The average age for males ranged from 16.5 for the maxillary sinus to 35.5 years for the sphenoid sinus. Pneumoceles occurred most commonly in the maxillary sinus. The average age for males ranged from 29 years for the frontal sinus and 47 years for the ethmoid sinus. Two patients (1 pneumocele and 1 PSD) had a temporary loss of vision. We report the case of a 37-year-old mountain climber who experienced temporary loss of vision in his left eye above 3000 m. Vision returned below 2000 m. High resolution computed tomography scan revealed pneumosinus dilatans of the sphenoid sinus with dehiscence of the optic canal on the left side. Endonasal microendoscopic resection of the anterior wall of the left sphenoid sinus was performed. The patient has remained symptom-free after 2 years of follow-up. Pneumosinus dilatans should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of sudden visual loss associated with atmospheric pressure changes.     

Malignant trigeminal schwannoma extending into the anterior skull base

Summary  Malignant schwannomas are rare tumours that seldom grow in the head and neck and their occurrence is even rarer in patients not affected by neurofibromatosis. The authors report a 40 year old woman with a left trigeminal malignant schwannoma (arising from V2), involving the infratemporal fossa and subsequently extending into the maxillary, sphenoid and ethmoidal sinuses, the orbit, and the intracranial compartment. Given the complex location of this tumour, the patient initially underwent radiation treatment; however due to a poor response to this form of treatment as well as disease progression, surgical resection requiring a combined Neurosurgical, ENT and Plastic Surgery was recommended. The planned operation included sacrificing the internal carotid artery and cavernous sinus, ipsilateral orbit exenteration and reconstruction with a free flap from the latissimus dorsi muscle. In this report, we discuss the sporadic occurrence of these tumours, the histo-pathological features and the management strategy along with a review of the literature. Correspondence: Dr. Chibbaro Salvotore, Service de Neurochirurgie, Hospital Lariboisière, 2 rue Ambroise-Paré, 75475 Paris Cedex 10, France.     

Temporary Unilateral Amaurosis with Pneumosinus Dilatans of the Sphenoid Sinus

Pneumosinus dilatans (PSD), first described by Meyes in 1898, is an abnormal dilatation of one or more of the paranasal sinuses without bony erosion. The term sinus pneumocele indicates the presence of bony erosion. Review of the literature from 1968 to 1992 revealed 24 cases of idiopathic PSD and 17 cases of pneumocele of various paranasal sinuses. PSD occurred most commonly in the frontal sinus. Males were more often affected than females. The average age for males ranged from 16.5 for the maxillary sinus to 35.5 years for the sphenoid sinus. Pneumoceles occurred most commonly in the maxillary sinus. The average age for males ranged from 29 years for the frontal sinus and 47 years for the ethmoid sinus. Two patients (1 pneumocele and 1 PSD) had a temporary loss of vision. We report the case of a 37-year-old mountain climber who experienced temporary loss of vision in his left eye above 3000 m. Vision returned below 2000 m. High resolution computed tomography scan revealed pneumosinus dilatans of the sphenoid sinus with dehiscence of the optic canal on the left side. Endonasal microendoscopic resection of the anterior wall of the left sphenoid sinus was performed. The patient has remained symptom-free after 2 years of follow-up. Pneumosinus dilatans should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of sudden visual loss associated with atmospheric pressure changes.     

Squamous carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses

This study retrospectively analyzed 105 patients with squamous carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. The primary tumor was located in the maxillary sinus in 65 patients (62 percent), the nasal cavity in 27 (26 percent), the ethmoid sinus in 11 (10 percent), and the sphenoid sinus in 2 (2 percent). Over half of the patients with antral cancer were treated with surgery and radiotherapy, whereas one-third of the remaining patients received combination therapy. Most procedures were radical, including sacrifice of the orbital contents in half of the surgically treated patients. The 5-year determinate cure rate was 45 percent for patients with nasal cavity tumors, 38 percent for those with maxillary sinus lesions, and 13 percent for those with ethmoid tumors. Local recurrence remains a major problem despite aggressive surgery and increased use of adjunctive radiotherapy.     

Bacteriology of chronic sinusitis after amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium therapy

The bacteriology of chronic sinusitis was studied after amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium therapy. Patients with chronic sinusitis were randomly divided into 2 groups. In the study group, 90 patients were given a 2-week course of amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium before functional endoscopic sinus surgery. In the control group, 113 patients did not take any antibiotics within 2 weeks before the surgery. Swab specimens were taken from the maxillary and ethmoid sinuses during surgery and sent for aerobic and anaerobic culture. In the study group, the culture rates of maxillary and ethmoid sinuses were 45.6% and 28.9%, respectively. In the control group, the culture rates of maxillary and ethmoid sinuses were 53.1% and 34.5%, respectively. The culture rates between the control group and the study group were not significantly different, either for the maxillary sinus or the ethmoid sinus. This showed that treatment with amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium did not change the bacteriology of chronic sinusitis.     

Multi-recurrent invasive ameloblastoma: A surgical challenge

IntroductionAmeloblastomas are rare head and neck tumors, and yet the most common odontogenic neoplasms. They account for 1% and 11% of all head and neck and odontogenic tumors respectively. Embryologically, they originate from remnants of odontogenic epithelium. Their aggressive, destructive nature, as well as their anticipated high rate of recurrence, even after en bloc resection, poses a surgical predicament.PresentationWe present a case of a 56 year-old Asian female with a multi-recurrent invasive ameloblastoma. Initially, the lesion was mandibular in location for which she underwent a mandiblectomy. Later on, she presented with a maxillary ameloblastoma with invasion of both the anterior wall of the maxillary sinus and the floor of the orbit. The patient was operated twice and histopathology confirmed a cystic type recurrent ameloblastoma. A year later, she came with recurrent maxillary ameloblastoma and a maxillectomy was done. However, histopathology revealed a follicular ameloblastoma. Three years later, she presented with a retro-orbital ameloblastoma with infiltration to the temporal muscles. The patient was operated and the histopathologic examination revealed a partially cystic lesion with no malignant transformation.ConclusionThis case discusses available treatment options and emphasizes on the importance of long-term patient follow-up due to the biological behavior of ameloblastoma.