Pediatric paranasal sinus mucoceles: etiologic factors, management and outcome.

OBJECTIVES: To study the local and general etiological factors of paranasal sinus mucoceles in the pediatric population and to evaluate and discuss the clinical management and the results of endonasal marsupialization.

DESIGN: Retrospective study.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: A series of 10 cases of paranasal sinus mucocele in children were managed. For imaging, CT-scan and, sometimes MRI were performed. An ophthalmologic evaluation was performed preoperatively in all cases, and post-operatively in case of preoperative trouble. All patients were treated with endoscopic surgical procedure. Authors also looked for etiological factors.

RESULTS: Cystic fibrosis was found in 6 cases out of 10. Others etiological factors were trauma and inflammatory process; one case was strictly idiopathic. Three patients out of 10 had ophthalmologic trouble related with the mucocele. With a mean follow-up of 17 months, neither recurrence nor complication were noted. All patients with ophthalmologic complain were free of trouble after surgery.

CONCLUSION: Paranasal sinus mucoceles in children are still rare. In our experience, 9 out of 10 patients had predisposing factors, especially cystic fibrosis. Imaging with CT-scan and MRI allow the physician to rule out other tumors such as meningoceles or rhabdomyosarcoma. Endoscopic endonasal surgery is nowadays the gold standard for the treatment of paranasal sinus mucoceles.