Unilateral Optic Neuropathy by Huge Sphenoid Sinus Mucocele: a Case Report to Emphasize the Importance of Early Detection and Treatment

ABSTRACT

A mucocele of the sphenoid sinus is relatively rare, and it has nonspecific clinical features. Hence, it is hard to diagnose it with the history of the illness alone. However, if the sphenoid mucocele is not detected and treated in early stage, its sequalae could be very serious or permanent, such as intracranial complication or blindness. Recently, the authors experienced a case of a sphenoid mucocele with unilateral visual disturbance for a period of one year. The patient underwent endoscopic sinus surgery-marsupialization successfully, but remnant visual disturbance as a sequalae did not fully recover. Thus high index of suspicion, prompt diagnosis using imaging studies, and urgent surgical intervention are crucial for promising of complete recovery from the disease.