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Isolated Sphenoid Pyocele with Thornwaldt’s Cyst of Nasopharynx

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Abstract

Isolated sphenoid sinusitis (ISS) is a rare entity. ISS accounts for about 1–2% of all sinus infections. Isolated sphenoid sinus involvement may include mucoceles, pyoceles and isolated mycotic infections. We report a case of isolated sphenoid pyocele in a 35 year-old female who presented in August 2007 with frontal and occipital headache, post nasal discharge and bilateral nasal obstruction for 6 years. CT scan showed isolated right sphenoid sinusitis. Diagnostic nasal endoscopy showed a streak of post nasal discharge on right side above the torus tubaris confirming right sphenoiditis. A cyst in the nasopharynx was incidentally detected which was confirmed by fluid aspiration to be Thornwaldt’s cyst (TC). TCs have reported prevalence of 0.2–5% and though most are asymptomatic their location renders them vulnerable to infection. Sphenoidotomy was done and the cyst in the nasopharynx was removed and marsupialised. Postoperative course was uneventful.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of ENT, GMC and RH, Patiala, Punjab, India

    Dalbir Singh, B. S. Sohal & Sangeeta Aggarwal

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  1. Dalbir Singh
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  2. B. S. Sohal
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  3. Sangeeta Aggarwal
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Correspondence to Sangeeta Aggarwal.

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Singh, D., Sohal, B.S. & Aggarwal, S. Isolated Sphenoid Pyocele with Thornwaldt’s Cyst of Nasopharynx. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 63 (Suppl 1), 140–141 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12070-011-0256-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12070-011-0256-0

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