[Misdiagnosis in isolated sphenoid sinus diseases].

OBJECTIVE

To improve the correct diagnosis for isolated sphenoid sinus diseases.

METHODS

Twelve patients with isolated sphenoid disease from 1991 to 1998 were reviewed. The factors of misdiagnosis were discussed.

RESULTS

In this group of 12 patients with isolated sphenoid diseases, 8 failed to be diagnosed at the first time of medical consultation. The misdiagnosis included optic neuritis, neuralgia, ophthalmitis, pulmonary tuberculosis, epistaxis and epilepsy.

CONCLUSIONS

The main causes of misdiagnosis were: low incidence of the disease, nonspecific clinical symptoms, and unawareness of the doctor. CT or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide much more informations about the diagnosis.