Long-Standing Blades of Scissors in Paranasal Sinus Over 40 Years

Article information

J Rhinol. 2020;27(2):132-134
Publication date (electronic) : 2020 August 14
doi : https://doi.org/10.18787/jr.2020.00323
Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
Address for correspondence: Seung-Kyu Chung, MD, PhD, Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06352, Korea Tel: +82-2-3410-3579, Fax: +82-2-3410-6987, E-mail: rhinochung@gmail.com
Received 2020 June 15; Revised 2020 July 7; Accepted 2020 July 13.

Abstract

Foreign bodies in the sinus are rare entities that are often associated with trauma. This paper presents a case of a metallic foreign body that was retained without any symptoms for over 40 years. A skull X-ray and computed tomography scans showed blades of scissors inside the maxillary sinus, extending to the middle meatus without affecting vital structures. The foreign body was successfully removed by an endoscopic approach. There were no complications during and after the surgery. The presence of retained foreign bodies in the maxillofacial region is rarely discussed in previous publications. This manuscript focuses on the asymptomatic period of this foreign body and aims to discuss the necessity and feasibility of a wait-and-see approach in selected cases.

INTRODUCTION

There are a limited number of reports in the literature that document foreign bodies in the paranasal sinus. Additionally, there are limited reports on the natural clinical course and impact of foreign bodies in the maxillary sinus [1]. Such clinical situations represent a unique challenge for surgeons. Treatment guidelines about this uncommon phenomenon are not well established because prospective or controlled studies are not feasible due to the limited number of subjects. Guidelines on some factors have been reported by surgeons in regard to the location of the foreign body, proximity to vital neurovascular anatomical structures, duration of foreign body impact, and risk of surgical retrieval [1,2].

In this article, we describe an unusual case of a transfacial penetrating injury with a metallic foreign body (blades of scissors) that remained asymptomatic for about 40 years and was successfully removed via an endoscopic approach. Furthermore, we aim to address issues about management of foreign bodies in the sinonasal cavity to provide guidance and aid in decision-making and treatment processes.

CASE REPORT

A 61-year-old man presented at the clinic with a one-year history of foul-smelling nasal drainage and progressive nasal congestion. The physical examination was unremarkable except purulent discharge from the left middle meatus based on nasal endoscopy. Standard radiographs showed a metallic shadow in the left maxillary sinus. Computed tomography (CT) scans further demonstrated presence of metallic foreign bodies that looked similar to blades of scissors inside the left maxillary sinus and that were obstructing the middle meatus (Fig. 1). History revealed a facial stabbing accident by a senior military officer about 40 years prior. There was a non-notable healed scar at the area of entry.

Fig. 1.

Preoperative CT scan demonstrating the location of metallic foreign body (blades of scissors) (coronal; A, axial; B).

After precise assessment, the location and direction of the foreign body were determined, and we planned to remove the object with an endoscopic approach; removal via the Cald-well Luc approach was planned as a secondary option. The patient underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery under general anesthesia, and the stained metallic foreign bodies were successfully removed intranasally (Fig. 2). The metallic foreign bodies were determined to be rusty blades of scissors (Fig. 2). There were no postoperative complications during or after the surgery, and the patient noted immediate symptomatic improvement. There were no infectious complications during the follow-up period. The nasal cavity had completely healed after 3 months, and the patient remained asymptomatic without complications.

Fig. 2.

Metallic foreign bodies discovered during surgery. A: Endoscopic image of the foreign body retained in middle meatus during surgery. Two sets of blades were successfully removed via endoscopic approach (asterisk showing septum, arrow designating middle turbinate). B: Photograph demonstrate the rusted metallic foreign body removed by surgery.

DISCUSSION

A foreign body in the paranasal sinus is an uncommon clinical presentation. The condition is primarily associated with previous history of surgery, maxillofacial trauma, or dental procedures. The most common site of involvement is the maxillary sinus. Ethmoidal and sphenoid sinus foreign bodies are extremely rare. After diagnosis, the primary treatment modality is surgical retrieval, and the approach is typically along the course of penetration. Prior reviews have suggested treatment algorithms according to clinical scenario. Since foreign bodies in both symptomatic and asymptomatic cases may serve as a permanent source of irritation, it seemed reasonable to remove the object to prevent irritation and inflammation of the paranasal sinus. However, this case that was asymptomatic for 40 years emphasizes the importance of questioning and considering the true indications of surgical removal of foreign bodies in the paranasal sinus.

There are only a few cases that have reported foreign body impaction for more than 20 years [3,4]. Lee and Lim [4] reported maxillary sinus fungus ball development caused by retained foreign bodies and that was asymptomatic for 25 years and was successfully removed via a combined endoscopic and Caldwell-Luc approach. In addition, Kuhnel et al. [3] reported an air gun pellet that had remained in the maxillary sinus for 50 years. Retained foreign bodies theoretically result in infectious complications, such as sinusitis [4,5]. However, the actual clinical course of foreign body lodgment remains unclear. Prior reports of paranasal foreign bodies have identified pencils, paintbrushes, cues, chopsticks, ball pens, wire, and plastic sticks. Most cases consist of a metallic or plastic foreign body. A metallic foreign body comprised of a toxic element, such as a lead-containing bullet, prompts urgent retrieval due to the possibility of blood poisoning. To date, no reports have discussed the surgical necessity to treat other kinds of substances. Natural substances such as wood and plants are highly associated with infection, so prompt removal is indicated. In comparison, plastic foreign bodies do not tend to induce inflammation. There is currently no consensus for metallic foreign bodies other than those containing lead. We were not able to analyze the exact composites of the scissor blades but hypothesize that the materials differ from those, such as stainless steel, currently used to make scissors. Stainless steel consists of nickel or iron, and the advances in technology could have impacted the corrosivity.

Therefore, it is possible that a foreign body consisting of stainless steel might not directly cause critical inflammation, and immediate surgery may not be necessary. For example, cases that could wait and be kept under observation would include instances where the surgical removal approach is particularly difficult, if the foreign body is not in close proximity to neurovascular structures, or if the patient refuses surgery. Additionally, multiple fragments of foreign bodies may not be implicated for surgical removal. Therefore, surgeons must weigh benefits and harms and carefully discuss with the patient. If surgeons opt for an observation approach, there is a secondary issue about the relevant artifacts that may hinder precise evaluation when performing computed tomography or MRI. This must be also discussed with the patient to optimize treatment and outcomes.

CONCLUSION

In this paper, we reported a case of an unusual metallic foreign body identified in the sinus cavity and that remained asymptomatic for about 40 years. Although there are potential risks for sinus infection, not all retained foreign bodies require immediate removal. Therefore, timing and approach for retrieval should be considered and validated by additional studies. In general, foreign bodies that can easily be removed by an endoscopic approach may prompt surgical removal, while cases with significant risks associated with removal may warrant an observation approach.

Notes

Declaration of Conflicting Interests

The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research authorship, and/or publication of this article.

References

1. Yarlagadda B, Jalisi S, Burke P, Platt M. Retrieval of projectile foreign bodies from the paranasal sinuses and skull base. Am J Rhinol Allergy 2012;26(3):233–6.
2. Dominguete PR, Matos BF, Meyer TN, Oliveira LR. Jael syndrome: removal of a knife blade impacted in the maxillofacial region under local anaesthesia. BMJ Case Reports 2013;2013:bcr–2013.
3. Kuhnel TV, Tudor C, Neukam FW, Nkenke E, Stockmann P. Air gun pellet remaining in the maxillary sinus for 50 years: a relevant risk factor for the patient? Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2010;39(4):407–11.
4. Lee DH, Lim SC. Maxillary fungus ball caused by retained foreign bodies for 25 years. J Craniofac Surg 2012;23(3):e176–7.
5. Dimitrakopoulos I, Papadaki M. Foreign body in the maxillary sinus: report of an unusual case. Quintessence Int 2008;39(8):698–701.

Article information Continued

Fig. 1.

Preoperative CT scan demonstrating the location of metallic foreign body (blades of scissors) (coronal; A, axial; B).

Fig. 2.

Metallic foreign bodies discovered during surgery. A: Endoscopic image of the foreign body retained in middle meatus during surgery. Two sets of blades were successfully removed via endoscopic approach (asterisk showing septum, arrow designating middle turbinate). B: Photograph demonstrate the rusted metallic foreign body removed by surgery.