Sphenoid sinus mucopyocele with marked intracranial extension: a more common phenomenon in the Third World?

Sphenoid sinus mucoceles are rare lesions. Those with intracranial extension were thought to be extremely rare in Western literature. We encountered three such cases within 1 year. These cases were confirmed on pathological examination to be pyoceles of the sphenoid sinus, extending to the sella and suprasellar region. Bilateral exophthalmos, papilledema, and severe headache were among the most consistent findings encountered. It appears that these lesions might be more common in areas of poor socioeconomic status like Third World countries. This condition should be considered in the differential diagnosis of lesions of the sella extending to the suprasellar region.