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

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.