Imaging of Paranasal Sinus Mucoceles.
Mucoceles are cystic masses developing after obstruction of the sinus ostium. The symptoms are not specific. Computed Tomography scan and Magnetic Resonance Imaging confirm the diagnosis.
We herein review the radiologic characteristics of mucoceles in CT scan and MRI. We report a retrospective study of 43 patients diagnosed with paranasal sinuses mucoceles. CT scans were performed for all patients, but MRI was carried out only in
selected cases.
Our study was constituted of 27 males and 16 females with a mean age of 47 years.
The CT scan appearence of mucoceles were in all cases as a well circumscribed expansile sinus mass with an effect on the neighbor bone structure. This mass was hypodense in 26 cases,
isodense in 14 cases and hyperdense in 3 patients.
The paranasal sinuses most frequently affected in our series were the fronto-ethmoidal sinuses. The most affected bone eroded was the
lamina papiracea. Intracranial extension was seen in four cases.
The presentations of mucoceles on imaging are quite variable. CT scan provides
precious information about the location, bone erosion and extension of the mucoceles. MRI is
indicated in some cases especially in cases of orbital or cranial extension.
Mucoceles are benign, slow-growing paranasal sinus lesions that develop after obstructions of
the sinus ostium. Symptoms are variable. The diagnosis is based on imaging. CT scan of the
sinuses is the method of the choice.
Otolaryngol Open J. 2016; 2(3): 94-100. doi: 10.17140/OTLOJ-2-121
