Sphenoethmoidal mucoceles with intracranial extension--three case reports.

Three unusual cases of sphenoethmoidal mucoceles with rare intracranial extension are reported. A 64-year-old female presented with a 7-month history of right visual disturbance. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging demonstrated a huge mass in the right middle fossa. She underwent right frontotemporal craniotomy. Postoperatively, her proptosis and cranial nerve dysfunction had improved markedly. A 53-year-old female complained of headache, nausea, and dizziness. CT and MR imaging revealed a cystic mass filling the right sphenoid sinus. The cystic lesion was evacuated through the transnasal approach. She was doing well postoperatively and has been asymptomatic. A 39-year-old male complained of headache, vomiting, and right visual disturbance. CT and MR imaging demonstrated a homogeneous mass occupying the sphenoid sinus. Sphenoidotomy exposed the cyst extending superiorly into the anterior cranial fossa. He recovered from the visual disturbances and has been asymptomatic since. MR imaging provides confirmation of the diagnosis of sphenoethmoidal mucocele and is important for preoperative evaluation.