Progressive intracranial mucocele associated with an osteoma of the frontal sinus causing seizures

Giant fronto-ethmoidal osteoma - selection of an optimal surgical procedure

Introduction

Osteomas of the paranasal sinuses are benign bone tumours that produce clinical signs depending on their size and location. In most reported cases large tumours are excised by an external approach or in conjunction with an endoscopic technique. Endoscopic treatment of such tumours is a huge challenge for the operator.

Objective

Determine the optimal surgical approach by analysing giant osteomas of the frontal and ethmoidal sinuses in the literature.

Methods

Group of 37 osteomas obtained from the literature review. A group of osteomas removed only by endoscopy was compared with a group in which an external approach (lateral rhynotomy or craniotomy) or combined external and endoscopic approach was applied.

Results

The authors, based on the statistical analysis of the literature data, have found that the average size of osteomas excised endoscopically and those removed by external approaches does not differ statistically, when the osteomas are located in the ethmoidal cells (p = 0.2691) and the frontal sinuses (p = 0.5891).

Conclusion

The choice of surgical method appears to be independent of the osteoma size and the decision is likely to be taken based on the experience of the surgeon, available equipment and knowledge of different surgical techniques.

Frontal sinus osteoma removal with the ultrasonic bone aspirator

Osteomas, the most common skull tumors, are typically excised through either an open or endoscopic ostectomy using a high-speed drill, a technically challenging procedure that can result in injury to adjacent soft tissue structures. Osteoma removal through ultrasonic bone emulsification and aspiration (UBA) offers the advantages of decreased blood loss, preservation of adjacent soft tissue structures, and precise bone removal. UBA was used to successfully remove a forehead osteoma without injury to adjacent nerves and with a satisfactory cosmetic outcome. We describe skull osteoma removal with an ultrasonic bone aspirator, which offers potential advantages over conventional bone removal techniques.

Large intracranial intradural mucocele as a complication of frontal sinus osteoma

Paranasal sinus osteomas are mostly asymptomatic; however, secondary mucocele can develop if they impede the natural sinus drainage. Such a mucocele can destroy the bone and extend into the adjacent structures. We report on an unusual case of frontal sinus osteoma in a 27-year-old patient, complicated by large secondary mucocele that eroded the bone and extended into the frontal lobe of the brain. Unexpectedly, the patient did not report any visual or other symptoms attributable to central nervous system deficit. The mucocele was completely resected through bifrontobasal osteoplastic craniotomy, whereas osteoma was evacuated in its entirety by both drilling and mobilizing. Open surgical approach remains the main treatment for complicated paranasal sinus osteoma, and radical removal of intracranial mucocele is mandatory to prevent the development of life-threatening infections. Although intradural extension of a secondary mucocele is extremely unusual, head and neck surgery specialists should take this severe complication in consideration.