The role of imaging in the management of sinonasal mucoceles

• Published in: The Pan African medical journal Vol. 34; no. 3; p. 3
• Main Authors: Bouatay, Rachida, Aouf, Lamia, Hmida, Badii, El Korbi, Amel, Kolsi, Naourez, Harrathi, Khaled, Koubaa, Jamel
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Uganda African Field Epidemiology Network 2019; The African Field Epidemiology Network; The Pan African Medical Journal
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Case Series; Endoscopy; Female; Humans; imaging; Magnetic Resonance Imaging - methods; Male; Medical imaging; Middle Aged; Mucocele - diagnostic imaging; Mucocele - surgery; mucoceles; Nose; Paranasal Sinus Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Paranasal Sinus Diseases - surgery; paranasal sinuses; Recurrence; Retrospective Studies; Sinuses; Surgery; Tomography, X-Ray Computed - methods; Young Adult; Mucoceles; imaging; paranasal sinuses
• ISSN: 1937-8688; 1937-8688
• DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2019.34.3.18677

Mucoceles are slow-growing paranasal sinus cystic masses whose clinical presentation varies according to the affected sinus. Diagnosis is often radiological, based essentially on CT scan. The aim of this work was to study the radiologic characteristics of mucoceles on CT scan and MRI. We conducted a retrospective study of patients with mucoceles explored by imaging and operated on in our department. In our series, fronto-ethmoidal sinuses were the most frequently affected (81%). Facial scan confirmed the diagnosis in the majority of cases. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in 4 cases. Eleven patients were operated on by endonasal approach, three by external approach and one by combined surgical approach. Recurrence was observed in two patients after an average delay of 24 months. CT scan is considered the method of choice in the investigation of mucoceles. MRI is indicated in some cases to assess any orbital or intracranial extension.