Frontal Sinus Pyocele Causing Nonaxial Proptosis

Abstract

A mucocele or pyocele of a paranasal sinus is a cystic lesion with accumulation of mucus or pus within the sinus walls and is capable of expansion. The frontal sinus is most commonly involved, whereas ethmoidal, sphenoid, and maxillary mucoceles are rare. Floor of the frontal sinus is shared with the superior orbital wall which explains the early displacement of orbit in enlarging frontal mucoceles or pyoceles. Here, we report a case of frontal pyocele in a 62-year-old male patient who presented to us with nonaxial proptosis. The case was managed by external surgical approach successfully. Possible ocular manifestations of mucoceles or pyoceles and the diagnostic imaging techniques used are discussed. We stress that a multidisciplinary approach involving the ophthalmologists, otolaryngologists, and radiologists is essential for prompt diagnosis and management to avoid unwanted complications.

Keywords

• Frontal sinus
• mucocele
• nonaxial proptosis
• pyocele