The silent sinus syndrome: clinical and radiographic findings.
OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to acquaint the reader with the clinical and imaging features of the silent sinus syndrome, which is relatively unknown. Discussion of the presentation, treatment, and theory regarding pathogenesis of the syndrome follows. CONCLUSION. The silent sinus syndrome consists of painless facial asymmetry and enophthalmos caused by chronic maxillary sinus atelectasis. Although the diagnosis is usually suspected clinically, it is confirmed radiologically by characteristic imaging features that include maxillary sinus outlet obstruction, sinus opacification, and sinus volume loss caused by inward retraction of the sinus walls.
Illner
Anna
A
Department of Radiology, University of Utah, 1A71 Medical Ctr., 50 N. Medical Dr., Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA.
Davidson
H Christian
HC
Harnsberger
H Ric
HR
Hoffman
John
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015841:Enophthalmos / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008443:Maxillary Sinus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010254:Paranasal Sinus Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011859:Radiography; D013577:Syndrome