Korean J Otolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  1999 Oct;42(10):1269-1273.

Pure Isolated Sphenoid Sinusitis

• Jang CH
• Choi TO
• Kim JO
• Kim YH

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Isolated sphenoid sinusitis is often misdiagnosed because of its rarity and varied clinical presentation. Presenting symptom is often both subtle andsuggestive of other intracranial lesions. The purpose of this study is to present typical clinical manifestations and treatment of pure bacterial isolated sphenoid sinusitis. Materials and Method: Nine cases of isolated sphenoid sinusitis of bacterial origin were reviewed retrospectively.
RESULTS
Two cases were acute and seven cases were chronic. The most common symptom was deep seated headache. Most of them were transferred via other department. Radiologic diagnosis using CT and MRI was enough to distinguish. Four cases were improved by medical treatment. Five cases were treated by endoscopic sphenoidotomy.
CONCLUSION
Isolated sphenoid sinusitis should be considered as a possible cause in case of deep seated, intractable headache. And in this case, CT or thorough endoscopic examination should be recommended. Endonasal endoscopic sphenoidotomy is good and simple treatment for cases intractable to medical treatment.

Keyword

Pure Isolated sphenoid sinusitis; Deep seated headache; Endoscopic sphenoidotomy

MeSH Terms

Diagnosis
Headache
Headache Disorders
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Retrospective Studies
Sphenoid Sinus*
Sphenoid Sinusitis*