Jaime Levy1, Tova Monos, Moshe Puterman. 1. Department of Ophthalmology, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel. ljaime@bgu.ac.il
Abstract
BACKGROUND: We present an interventional case report of a rare occurrence of sphenoid sinus mucocele causing bilateral consecutive blindness with unilateral partial recovery after endoscopic surgery. METHODS: A 64-year-old woman with known sphenoid sinus mucocele and right blindness was referred because of an acute drop of vision to hand motion in her only-seeing left eye over 5 days. Imaging revealed a large mucocele enlarging the sphenoid sinus, eroding the base of the skull, protruding into the cranial cavity, and compressing the left optic nerve. RESULTS: Urgent endoscopic sphenoidotomy was performed. Several hours after the procedure, visual acuity was partially recovered in the left eye. INTERPRETATION: Sphenoid sinus mucoceles can cause bilateral blindness. A high index of suspicion and urgent imaging studies are necessary. Because visual recovery depends on prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention, a close collaboration between otolaryngologists and ophthalmologists is crucial.
BACKGROUND: We present an interventional case report of a rare occurrence of sphenoid sinus mucocele causing bilateral consecutive blindness with unilateral partial recovery after endoscopic surgery. METHODS: A 64-year-old woman with known sphenoid sinus mucocele and right blindness was referred because of an acute drop of vision to hand motion in her only-seeing left eye over 5 days. Imaging revealed a large mucocele enlarging the sphenoid sinus, eroding the base of the skull, protruding into the cranial cavity, and compressing the left optic nerve. RESULTS: Urgent endoscopic sphenoidotomy was performed. Several hours after the procedure, visual acuity was partially recovered in the left eye. INTERPRETATION: Sphenoid sinus mucoceles can cause bilateral blindness. A high index of suspicion and urgent imaging studies are necessary. Because visual recovery depends on prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention, a close collaboration between otolaryngologists and ophthalmologists is crucial.