Sinonasal carcinoma presenting as chronic sinusitis and sequential bilateral visual loss

Abstract

Sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma-related rhinogenic optic neuropathy is rare and may lead to visual loss. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of bilateral sequential visual loss induced by this etiology. It is important to differentiate between chronic sinusitis and malignancy on the basis of specific findings on magnetic resonance images. Surgical decompression with multidisciplinary therapy, including steroids, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, is indicated. However, no visual improvement was noted in this case, emphasizing the rapid disease progression and importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

Keywords

• Encasement
• infiltration
• optic neuropathy
• rhinogenic
• sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma