Bilateral consecutive blindness due to sphenoid sinus mucocele with unilateral partial recovery

Can J Ophthalmol. 2005 Aug;40(4):506-8. doi: 10.1016/S0008-4182(05)80015-8.

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Blindness / etiology*
  • Blindness / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Mucocele / complications*
  • Mucocele / diagnostic imaging
  • Mucocele / surgery
  • Paranasal Sinus Diseases / complications*
  • Paranasal Sinus Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Paranasal Sinus Diseases / surgery
  • Sphenoid Sinus*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Visual Acuity