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Large sphenoid mucocele presenting with cranial neuropathies in a 10-year-old boy: case report and literature review

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Abstract

Introduction

Mucoceles in the sphenoid sinus are rare, making up 1–3% of all paranasal sinus mucoceles. Sphenoid sinus mucoceles among pediatric patients are uncommon and have a range of presentations due to their proximity to other structures, in rare cases causing oculomotor and visual disturbances through expansion and mass effect.

Case report

We present a case of a large expansile sphenoid sinus mucocele causing cranial nerve III and VI palsies in a 10-year-old boy. Endoscopic resection of the mucocele was performed for diagnosis and decompression, leading to immediate relief of the patient’s symptoms and improvement in cranial nerve function. Post-operative imaging showed complete resolution of the mucocele.

Conclusion

Our case report and review of the current literature emphasizes that prompt diagnosis and intervention can lead to a good clinical outcome and prevention of permanent cranial neuropathy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA

    Henry Chang, Michael Silva, Corinna Levine & Heather J. McCrea

  2. Department of Neurosurgery, University of Miami Health System, Miami, FL, USA

    Michael Silva & Heather J. McCrea

  3. College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA

    John Weng

  4. Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Health System, Miami, FL, USA

    Erin Reilly & Corinna Levine

Authors
  1. Henry Chang
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  2. Michael Silva
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  3. John Weng
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  4. Erin Reilly
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  5. Corinna Levine
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  6. Heather J. McCrea
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Correspondence to Henry Chang.

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Chang, H., Silva, M., Weng, J. et al. Large sphenoid mucocele presenting with cranial neuropathies in a 10-year-old boy: case report and literature review. Childs Nerv Syst 38, 1035–1039 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-021-05314-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-021-05314-5

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