Clinical Analysis of Isolated Sphenoid Sinusitis

Kim, Jung Soo; Ye, Mi Kyung; Shin, Seung Heon

Original Article

Journal of Rhinology 2010;17(1):37-40.
Published online May 31, 2010.

Clinical Analysis of Isolated Sphenoid Sinusitis

Jung Soo Kim, Mi Kyung Ye, Seung Heon Shin

¹Department of Otolaryngology, College of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea.
²Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, Korea. hsseung@cu.ac.kr

접형동염의 임상적 특성

김정수, 예미경, 신승헌

경북대학교 의과대학 이비인후과학교실,¹ 대구가톨릭대학교 의과대학 이비인후과학교실²

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Isolated sphenoid sinus disease is rare and difficult to diagnosis. Due to the close proximity of the sphenoid sinus to important structures, serious complications can develop. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical characteristics of isolated sphenoid sinusitis.
SUBJECTS AND METHOD
Thirty-four patients with isolated sphenoid sinusitis were analyzed. A retrospective chart review was performed with respect to the symptoms, radiologic findings, treatment outcomes, and complications.
Results
Twenty-one of 34 cases were bacterial sphenoid sinusitis, and 13 cases were fungal sinusitis. Headache was the most common symptom (76.9%), followed by visual disturbance and diplopia. Endoscopic sphenoidotomy was performed, and symptoms completely improved in 88.5% of the patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Inflammatory diseases commonly involve the sphenoid sinus, but the presenting symptoms can be nonspecific. Early diagnosis and endoscopic surgical treatment can be successfully employed to treat the majority of patients with isolated sphenoid sinusitis.

Key Words: Sphenoid;Sinusitis;Symptoms