Mucocele: Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes in 46 Operated Patients

Abstract Introduction Paranasal sinus mucocele is a benign, expansive lesion associated with paranasal sinus obstruction. It affectsmostly adults, and ismost common in the frontal and ethmoidal sinuses. Objective To evaluate outcomes in patients undergoing surgical treatment for paranasal sinus mucocele. Methods Retrospective review of medical records of patients treated for paranasal sinus mucocele at the ENT department of a tertiary care hospital between 2005 and 2016. Results Forty-six patients underwent surgical treatment of paranasal sinusmucocele. Themean age was 50.1 years, and 56.5% were male. The most prevalent symptom was pain, and the frontal sinus was most commonly affected. The vast majority of patients (89.1%) underwent endoscopic sinusmarsupialization; 10.9% required combined open and endoscopic access. Seven recurrences occurred. Conclusion Sinus mucocele is an expansive disease that primarily affects the frontal sinus of adult patients. In most cases, endoscopic surgery is an effective treatment modality. (AU)

Paciente com proptose ocular associado a mucocele etmoidal: apresentação clínica e tratamento / Patient with ocular properties associated with ethmoidal mucocele: clinical presentation and treatment

Resumo Relato de um caso clínico de proptose ocular relacionado com mucocele etmoidal, o caso é raro e seu acometimento ocular não é comumente relacionado na literatura. Ressaltamos ainda sua apresentação clínica e o tratamento instituído. W.L.S, Paciente do sexo masculino, 27 anos procedente de Fortaleza-CE. Comparece ao ambulatório HUWC com queixa de baixa da acuidade visual percebida há 10 dias em olho direito (OD). Ao exame oftalmológico melhor acuidade visual corrigida de 20/200 OD e 20/20 olho esquerdo (OE), ausência de abdução e elevação do OD com ptose leve (distância margem reflexo 1-2 mm) e diplopia ao olhar para direita. Proptose OD de aspecto axial de grau moderado (24mm). Biomicroscopia lâmpada de fenda sem alterações. Pressão intraocular: 18mmHg OD 12 mmHg OE. Fundo de olho: OD aspecto palidez discreta de disco, sem outras alterações e OE dentro da normalidade. Solicitada tomografia de crânio (TC) que demonstrou presença de lesão arredondada em área do seio etmoidal penetrando parede óssea da órbita do OD sugestiva de mucocele etmoidal. Encaminhado para serviço de otorrinolaringologia do HUWC, sendo submetido a procedimento cirúrgico endoscópico etmoidectomia. Um mês após o procedimento cirúrgico a acuidade visual OD 20/25, movimentos oculares presentes e simétricos, ausência de diplopia e persistência de leve palidez em OD. Expansão da mucocele pode ocorrer ao longo de muitos anos ou rapidamente. Acometimento ocular com baixa da acuidade visual é incomum como primeiro sintoma, quando ocorre merece tratamento imediato. O tratamento cirúrgico é geralmente indicado no caso e deve ser instituído assim que possível para adequada recuperação visual.

Abstract Report of a clinical case of ocular proptosis related to ethmoidal mucocele, the case is rare and ocular involvement is not commonly related in the literature. We also emphasize its clinical presentation and the treatment instituted. W.L.S., male, 27 years old from Fortaleza-CE. He presents to the HUWC outpatient clinic complaining of low visual acuity perceived for 10 days in the right eye (OD). The ophthalmologic exam showed a best corrected visual acuity of 20/200 OD and 20/20 left eye (OS), absence of abduction and elevation of OD with light ptosis (distance margin 1 - 2 mm) and diplopia when looking to the right. Proptose OD of moderate aspect axial aspect (24mm). Biomicroscopy slit lamp without changes. Intraocular pressure: 18mmHg OD 12 mmHg OS. Background of eye: OD discrete pallor disk appearance, no other changes and OS within normality. A CT scan was performed that showed presence of a rounded lesion in the ethmoidal sinus area penetrating the bone wall of the OD orbit suggestive of ethmoidal mucocele. Forwarded to the otorhinolaryngology service of the HUWC, being submitted to endoscopic surgical procedure etmoidectomy. One month after the surgical procedure visual acuity of OD 20/25, present and symmetrical ocular movements, absence of diplopia and persistence of mild pallor in OD. Expansion of mucocele may occur over many years or rapidly. Ocular involvement with low visual acuity is uncommon as the first symptom, when it occurs it deserves immediate treatment. Surgical treatment is generally indicated in the case and should be instituted as soon as possible for adequate visual recovery.

Mucocele maxilar secundario a cirugía ortognática: reporte de un caso / Maxillary mucocele after an orthognathic surgery: case report

El mucocele es un tumor pseudoquístico poco frecuente en el seno maxilar y una rara complicación de la cirugía ortognática. El caso reportado describe la presentación de un mucocele que afecta parcialmente el seno maxilar y se presenta clínicamente como un tumor nasal. Se trata de una mujer de 44 años que, luego de 12 años de realizarse cirugías ortognáticas, presenta dolor facial y obstrucción de la fosa nasal derecha. La tomografía axial computarizada de senos paranasales revela una masa de contenido líquido que ocupa la mitad inferior del seno maxilar derecho, extendiéndose a la fosa nasal ipsilateral. La paciente es intervenida por vía endoscópica realizándose una marsupialización intranasal y meatotomía media, evolucionando satisfactoriamente en un seguimiento de dos años.

Mucoceles are not often found in the maxillary sinus, and is a rare surgery complication, in this case, orthognathic. This review describes a mucocele that partially occupies the right maxillary sinus, causing a chronic nasal obstruction. This is the case of a 44 year-old female patient, which after 12 years of several orthognathic surgeries, presents facial pain and right nasal obstruction. The paranasal sinus computed tomography reveals a mass with liquid content that occupies the lower part of the right maxillary sinus and compromises the right nasal cavity. The patient was treated with an intranasal marsupialization and a middle meatotomy with endoscopic nasal approach. Evolution was satisfactory two years after the intervention.

Patología unilateral de senos paranasales con compromiso predominante de un seno: Descripción de serie de casos / Unilateral paranasal sinus disease with predominant commitment of one sinus: Case series description

Introducción: El velamiento de una cavidad paranasal representa un desafío diagnóstico y puede ser causado por diversas patologías. El examen clínico generalmente es insuficiente para orientar la conducta siendo necesario un estudio completo que incluya endoscopía, imágenes e histología para lograr un diagnóstico definitivo. Objetivo: Describir la impresión clínica, imagenológica, quirúrgica e histológica de pacientes con patología unilateral de senos paranasales. Material y método: Serie retrospectiva de 32 pacientes con patología sinusal unilateral operados en Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile entre 2012 y 2014. Se consideró como criterio de inclusión el compromiso predominante de un seno paranasal en el estudio imagenológico. Se describen las variables: síntoma principal, impresión diagnóstica; clínica, imagenológica, quirúrgica, seno comprometido, entre otras. Resultados: El síntoma principal más frecuente fue obstrucción nasal (56%). Los diagnósticos más frecuentes fueron: patología inflamatoria (84%): pólipo antrocoanal (31%), mucocele (22%) y bola fúngica (22%) y patología tumoral benigna: papiloma invertido (16%), siendo el seno maxilar el más afectado (90%). La impresión diagnóstica quirúrgica fue más precisa que la imagenológica en determinar el diagnóstico definitivo, aunque esta diferencia no alcanzó significancia estadística. Discusión: Patología compleja que requiere estudio completo incluyendo endoscopía. Las imágenes son el segundo pilar en el diagnóstico y deben solicitarse de acuerdo a los hallazgos. El diagnóstico quirúrgico provee una mayor precisión diagnóstica. Conclusiones: Se incluyen varias patologías bajo este concepto, la patología inflamatoria predomina pero se debe tener alto índice de sospecha dado la relativa frecuencia de patología tumoral.

Introduction: Paranasal sinus opacity represents a diagnostic challenge and can be caused by diverse pathologies. Clinical examination is generally insufficient to achieve a definitive diagnosis and it is necessary a complete study including endoscopy, imaging and histology. Aim: To describe clinical, radiographical, surgical and histological diagnostic impressions of patients with unilateral sinus disease. Material and method: 32 retrospective serie with unilateral sinus disease treated at Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile, between 2012 and 2014. The predominant commitment of one sinus on the tomography was considered as inclusion criterion. Principal symtom, clinical, radiographical and surgical diagnostic impressions, committed sinus, among others variables were studied. Results: The most frequent symtom was nasal obstruction (56%). The most frequent diagnoses were: inflammatory disease (84%): antrochoanal polyp (31%), mucocele (22%) and fungus ball (22%) and benign tumor: inverted papilloma (16%). The maxillary sinus was affected in 90%. Surgical diagnostic impression was more precise than radiographical impression in determining the definitive diagnosis, although this difference did not reach statistics significance. Discussion: Unilateral sinus disease is a complex pathology that requires comprehensive study including endoscopy. Images are the second pillar in the diagnosis and should be requested according to the findings. Surgical diagnostic impression provides greater diagnostic presicion. Conclusions: Several pathologies are included under this concept, inflammatory disease prevails but it is necessary to have high index of suspicion in view of the relative frequency of tumour pathology.

Sospecha clínica y tratamiento quirúrgico de los mucoceles esfenoidales / Diagnosis and surgical treatment of sphenoid mucoceles

Introducción: Los mucoceles son formaciones benignas de lento crecimiento que pueden aparecer en cualquier seno paranasal, representando el seno esfenoidal menos del 10%. Objetivo: Presentamos nuestra experiencia de mucoceles en el seno esfenoidal. Material y método: Se obtuvieron los datos a partir de nuestra base de datos que recoge prospectivamente los casos de tumores de cabeza y cuello. Entre enero 1989 y enero 2013 se registraron 58 mucoceles en 54 pacientes, de los cuales 4 (7%) eran de seno esfenoidal. Tres pacientes eran mujeres y uno varón, con edades comprendidas entre 42 y 61 años. Todas las lesiones fueron estudiadas con endoscopia nasal, tomo-grafía computarizada y resonancia magnética. Resultados: Tres pacientes presentaron un antecedente quirúrgico de seno paranasal. El síntoma más frecuente fue la cefalea (3 pacientes de 4). Dos pacientes presentaron diplopia y uno pérdida progresiva de agudeza visual, requiriendo manejo quirúrgico urgente. Todos fueron tratados con esfenoidotomía por abordaje endoscópico endonasal. Fueron dados de alta a las 48 h posteriores con antibioticoterapia. Ninguno presentó recidiva. Conclusión: Los mucoceles esfenoidales representan menos del 10% de los mucoceles nasosinusales. La pérdida de agudeza visual requiere un rápido diagnóstico y manejo terapéutico quirúrgico urgente. El tratamiento de elección es la marsupialización.

Introduction: Sinus mucoceles are benign cysts that may appear in any sinus, but only 1%-10% occur in the sphenoid sinus. Aim: We describe the cases of sphenoid sinus mucoceles seen at our centre over the last 25 years. Material and method: In a prospective review of all mucoceles diagnosed between 1989 and 2013, we identified 58 mucocels in 54 patients. Four of the 58 (7%) were sphenoid mucoceles. There were three female patients and one male, and ages ranged from 42 to 61 years. We performed an endoscopy, CT and MR in all patients to confirm diagnosis. Results: Three patients had had endoscopic endonasal surgery in the past. The presenting symptoms were headache in 3 patients, diplopia in two, and visual loss, causing blindness, in one. The patient with amaurosis requiered urgent surgery. All four patients underwent sphenoidotomy with marsupialisation by the endonasal endoscopic approach. They were discharged 48 hours later on oral antibiotics. No recurrences have been observed to date. Conclusions: Sphenoid mucocele is a rare disease, requiring prompt treatment in cases of amaurosis. Good results can be achieved with endonasal endoscopic marsupialisation.

A sphenoid sinus mucocele simulating as retro bulbar optic neuritis.

A 25-year-old male presented with complaints of sudden diminution of vision with pain on eye movement in the left eye which was diagnosed clinically as retro bulbar optic neuritis. However, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed lesion consistent with sphenoid sinus mucocele. Early surgical removal of mucocele led to complete recovery of vision, contrast and visual field. A high index of suspicion is necessary for intracranial lesions in all cases of retro bulbar neuritis, especially those with atypical symptoms.

Acesso endoscópico para tratamento do papiloma nasossinusal: um estudo clínico retrospectivo / Endoscopic treatment of sinonasal papilloma: a retrospective clinical study

Introdução: Papiloma nasossinusal é um tumor benigno com origem no epitélio schneideriano da parede nasal lateral. Sua incidência é rara e de acordo com a literatura responde por 0,5 a 4% de todos os tumores nasais. Objetivo: Reportar a experiência da nossa instituição no tratamento do papiloma nasossinusal invertido utilizando acesso endoscópico e comparar os resultados obtidos com os relatos da literatura. Método: Estudo retrospectivo de todos os pacientes com papiloma nasossinusal que realizaram tratamento cirúrgico puramente endoscópico no ambulatório de Otorrinolaringologia do Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), no período de janeiro de 2004 a maio de 2010. Resultados: Um total de 12 pacientes foi incluído neste estudo. O seguimento médio foi de 23 meses. Houve 1 caso de recidiva. Não ocorreu transformação maligna nestes casos. Conclusão: O tratamento do papiloma nasossinusal tem sido amplamente beneficiado com o avanço das técnicas endoscópicas, com taxas de recorrência equivalentes àquelas reportadas por acesso externo. Exames de imagem são fundamentais no planejamento pré-operatório e na decisão da técnica cirúrgica. Um seguimento regular e de longo prazo é essencial para um bom acompanhamento da evolução desta patologia.

Introduction: Sinonasal Papilloma is a benign tumor originating from the epithelium schneiderian lateral nasal wall. Its incidence is rare and according to literature accounts for 0.5 to 4% of all nasal tumors. Objective: To report our institution's experience in the treatment of sinonasal inverted papilloma using endoscopic approach and compare the results with the literature. Methods: A retrospective study of all patients with sinonasal papillomas who underwent a purely endoscopic surgery in the Otorhinolaryngology, Hospital das Clinicas, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), from January 2004 to May 2010. Results: A total of 12 patients were included in this study. The median follow-up was 23 months. There was one case of recurrence. Malignant transformation has not occurred in these cases. Conclusion: The treatment of sinonasal papilloma has been largely benefited from the advances in endoscopic techniques, with recurrence rates equivalent to those reported for external access. Imaging exams are essential in preoperative planning and the decision of surgical technique. A regular follow-up and long term is essential for a good monitoring of the evolution of this pathology.

A rare cause of nasolacrimal duct obstruction: Dentigerous cyst in the maxillary sinus.

The most common abnormality of the lacrimal drainage system is congenital or acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. The causes of acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction may be primary or secondary. The secondary acquired obstructions may result from infection, inflammation, neoplasm, trauma or mechanical causes. The maxillary sinus cysts usually obstruct the nasolacrimal duct mechanically. Dentigerous cysts are one of the main types of maxillary cysts. These cysts are benign odontogenic cysts which are associated with the crowns of unerupted teeth. The clinical documentations of mechanical nasolacrimal duct obstructions due to a dentigerous cyst in the maxillary sinus are very rare in literature. In this case report, we describe a dentigerous cyst with a supernumerary tooth in the maxillary sinus in an 11-year-old male child causing an obstruction to the nasolacrimal duct. The case was successfully managed surgically by Caldwell Luc approach.

Uso tópico da adrenalina em diferentes concentrações na cirurgia endoscópica nasal / Topical use of adrenaline in different concentrations for endoscopic sinus surgery

A concentração ideal de adrenalina tópica a promover hemostasia adequada sem toxicidade ainda é motivo de controvérsia. OBJETIVO: Comparar soluções tópicas de adrenalina em diferentes concentrações. DESENHO DO ESTUDO: Prospectivo, duplo-cego, seleção aleatória. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: 49 pacientes submetidos à cirurgia endoscópica nasal, divididos em 3 grupos usando exclusivamente adrenalina tópica, nas concentrações de 1:2000, 1:10.000 e 1:50.000. Comparou-se o tempo operatório, o sangramento, as concentrações plasmáticas de adrenalina e noradrenalina e a variação dos parâmetros cardiovasculares. RESULTADOS: O tempo operatório por procedimento foi menor no grupo que utilizou adrenalina 1:2000, assim como o sangramento (p < 0,0001). As concentrações plasmáticas de adrenalina subiram em todos os 3 grupos, porém mais no grupo que utilizou adrenalina 1:2000. Houve uma tendência de aumento dos níveis tensionais nos pacientes que usaram adrenalina 1:2000 e 1:10.000, com maior ocorrência de picos hipertensivos. Discussão: Os benefícios do uso da solução de adrenalina mais concentrada foram evidentes, principalmente em relação ao sangramento. A tendência de aumento dos níveis tensionais pode ter ocorrido por não termos utilizado técnica anestésica intravenosa exclusiva. CONCLUSÃO: Analisando os prós e contras, sugerimos o uso de solução de adrenalina tópica 1:2000; mais pesquisas que corroborem nossos achados são necessárias.

The ideal adrenaline concentration remains unknown. AIM: Compare topical adrenaline solutions in different concentrations. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, double blind, randomized trial. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 49 patients divided in 3 groups underwent endoscopic sinus surgery, using only topical solutions of adrenaline in different concentrations (1:2,000, 1:10,000 and 1:50,000). We compared the duration of surgery, intra-operative bleeding, plasmatic levels of catecholamines, hemodynamic parameters and changes in heart rhythm. RESULTS: Surgery time was shorter in the group using adrenaline 1:2,000, which also showed less bleeding in all evaluations (objective and subjective - p < 0.0001). Plasmatic levels of epinephrine rose in all groups, more sharply in the 1:2,000 group. There was a trend towards elevation of blood pressure in the groups using adrenaline 1:2,000 and 1:10,000, with a greater occurrence of hypertensive peaks. DISCUSSION: We found a very significance bleeding difference favoring the 1:2,000. The blood pressure elevation in the 1:2,000 and 1:10,000 groups was progressive but very slow throughout the procedure, which could be associated with the anesthesia technique. CONCLUSION: We favor the use of topical adrenalin 1:2,000 due to a clear superiority in hemostasis. Further investigation is needed to corroborate our findings.

Pneumosinus dilatans: experiencia clínica y revisión del tema / Pneumosinus dilatans: clinical experience and literature review

Se presentan dos casos clínicos del Servicio de Otorrinolaringología (SORL) del Hospital Barros Luco Trudeau (HBLT) con diagnóstico de Pneumosinus dilatans (PD). El PD es una rara condición, que se presenta como una dilatación anormal de uno o varios senos paranasales (SP) sin evidencia de compromiso óseo ni mucoso, que se asocia a dolor y deformidad facial. La tomografía computada (TC) permite hacer el diagnóstico; el tratamiento es quirúrgico y está orientado a descomprimir el o los SP comprometidos; con lo anterior se logra la erradicación del dolor, pero la deformidad facial persiste.

Two clinical cases with a diagnosis of pneumosinus dilatans (PD) from the Servicio de Otorrinolaringología (SORL) of Hospital Barros Lucos-Trudeau (HBLT) are presented. PD is a rare condition in which an abnormal enlargement of one or several paranasal sinuses (PS) is present, with no evidence of bone or mucosa involvement. It is associated with facial pain and deformity. Diagnosis is based on CT scan; treatment is surgical and it is oriented to decompress the PS involved, eradicating pain but with a persisting facial deformity.

Vertical Rectus Muscles Transposition in Large Exotropia with Medial Rectus Muscle Transection Following Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of transposition procedures on the vertical rectus muscle (VRM) in the patients who underwent a medial rectus muscle (MR) transection after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). METHODS: In 4 patients with exotropia (XT) and a lack of adduction after ESS, orbital CT or MRI revealed a complete transection of the midportion of the MR. Full-tendon VRM transposition was performed within 3 months after injury (early surgery) in 2 patients with 40delta XT. Two patients with 70delta and 85delta XT underwent an X-type augmented Hummelsheim procedure, which involved pulling each half-tendon and crossing it through the undersurface of the severed MR to the other end of the MR insertion, concurrently with an ipsilateral lateral rectus (LR) recession 11 months and 36 months after ESS, respectively. The adduction deficits were divided into -1 through to -8. The patients were followed up for more than than 1.5 years. RESULTS: Postoperatively, 3 patients showed orthophoria and no diplopia in the primary position. The adduction deficits improved to -3.5 or -4. One patient who underwent an X-type augmented Hummelsheim procedure showed a residual XT of 25delta. CONCLUSIONS: VRM transposition is effective in correcting a large XT secondary to a MR transection after ESS. When a longstanding large-angle XT with severe contracture of the ipsilateral LR and massive scarring of the adjacent tissues is present, the X-type augmented Hummelsheim procedure coupled with an ipsilateral LR recession had an augmenting effect.

Colesteatoma de seno esfenoidal / Cholesteatoma sphenoid sinus

Un coiesteatoma de cavidades paranasales es un hallazgo muy raro. Se ha reportado sólo un caso de un coiesteatoma primario de seno esfenoidal. Otros casos de coiesteatoma que involucren a este seno son debidos a diseminación directa a de un coiesteatoma de hueso temporal. Presentamos el caso de un coiesteatoma primario de seno esfenoidal, en una mujer de 22 años, que consultó por cefalea periódica. La lesión fue removida a través de un abordaje endoscópico transnasal. El diagnóstico fue confirmado por histopatología. No ha presentado recurrencia después de 4 años.

Anatomical variations of the lateral nasal wall and paranasal sinuses: A CT study for endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in Thai patients.

Computerized tomography (CT) of the paranasal sinuses is usually required prior to endoscopic sinus surgery. CT demonstrates both the extent of disease(s) and the anatomical variations that may predispose to rhinosinusitis and nearby vital structures that iatrogenic damage can be avoided. The authors retrospectively reviewed 88 CT scans of paranasal sinuses and orbits, performed at Srinagarind Hospital between January 1995 and February 1997. Only adult patients were included. The study showed the presence of frontal sinuses in 88% of cases (95%CI 82.3-92.5%), agger nasi cells in 92% (95%CI 87-95.6%), concha bullosa in 34% (95%CI27.1-41.6%), Haller's cell in 24% (95%CI 17.8-30.9%), Onodi cell in 25% (95%CI 19.8-32.1%), dehiscence of the internal carotid artery in 10.2% (95%CI 6.2-15.7%) and the optic canal in the sphenoid sinus in 18.2% (95%CI 12.8-24.7%). The most common olfactory fossa was type II. Haller's cell was a coincident finding not a risk factor for maxillary rhinosinusitis. Concha bullosa was a non-statistically significant, risk factor for maxillary rhinosinustis.

Mucoceles gigantes: visão neurocirúrgica. Relato de dois casos / Giant mucoceles: neurosurgical view. Report of two cases

São apresentados dois casos de mucocele gigante do seio frontal submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico. A manifestação clínica foi cefaléia de evolução prolongada, associada com protrusão unilateral do globo ocular de curta duração. Em ambos os casos foi realizada craniotomia frontal com remoção completa da lesão, reparação do soalho frontal com retalho pediculado de gálea e cranialização do seio frontal. No segundo caso, uma abordagem endoscópica intranasal foi combinada à abordagem externa no mesmo ato cirúrgico. Alguns aspectos abordando a etiologia, associação com outras afecções e tratamento cirúrgico são discutidos.

Surgical management of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea under endoscopic control

Descrevemos a técnica de oclusão endoscópica por via endonasal de fístula liquórica proveniente do andar anterior em três pacientes. Dois pacientes tiveram o diagnóstico e os orifícios da fístula localizados após injeção intratecal de fluoresceína sódica. A oclusão foi obtida com enxerto de gordura livre, fragmentos de mucopericôndrio septal ou mucoperiósteal retirado do corneto médio ou inferior e selados com o auxílio de cola de fibrina. A cirurgia endoscópica endonasal é técnica segura e eficaz no tratamento da fístula esfeno-etmoidal, constituindo alternativa à abordagem craniana.

Mucormicosis. Reporte de tres casos / Mucormycosis. Report of 3 cases

Mucormycosis is an acute and often fatal infection caused by a fungus of the Mucorales order of the Zygomycetes class. There are various clinical types, usually associated with an underlying disorder. The rhinocerebral mucormycosis is usually seen in diabetics, especially in ketoacidosis, but may also appear in healthy people. We report three cases of mucormycosis diagnosed since april 1987 through january 2001 at the Dr. Domingo Luciani Hospital, Caracas, Venezuela. Two of them had diabetes and one was apparently healthy. The most common clinical presentation of mucormycosis was the rhinocerebral infection, seen in the two diabetic patients, both of them had cavernous sinus thrombosis one with involvement of the carotid artery. The other patient with sinus involvement had no predisposing factors. All patients were treated with amphotericin B and two of them had surgical debridement of involved tissue. We emphasize the importance of an early clinical diagnosis and treatment with surgical debridement of infected tissue combined with amphotericin B.

Primary tuberculosis of the nose and paranasal sinuses

Tuberculosis is a chronic bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculae and is characterized by the formation of caseating granulomas in infected tissues by cell mediated hypersensitivity, though primary tuberculosis of the sinonasal tract is considered infrequent, it is practical to keep the disease in mind in any case of undiagnosed clinical infection or inflammatory disease. Any undiagnosed pathology of the sinonasal tract should be suspected to be a case of tuberculosis until proved otherwise. Key Words: Tuberculosis, Sinonasal, Pathology