title: Bilateral stage I chronic maxillary atelectasis: A case report.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Chronic maxillary atelectasis (CMA) is a rare acquired condition of persistent and progressive reduction in maxillary sinus volume and antral wall collapse secondary to ostiomeatal obstruction and development of negative intra-sinus pressure gradients.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 32-year old male was referred with a 6 week history of persistent and worsening sinonasal symptoms, following a significant upper respiratory tract infection. Imaging confirmed bilateral stage I CMA and successful treatment entailed bilateral endoscopic uncinectomy and maxillary antrostomy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Review of the literature has demonstrated CMA to describe an all-encompassing disease process of ostiomeatal obstruction and atelectatic maxillary sinus remodelling that overcomes early variations in taxonomy ('silent sinus syndrome', 'imploding antrum syndrome', 'acquired maxillary sinus hypoplasia') and inconsistencies in reporting. Unilateral CMA is well documented, however a systematic search of the literature reveals only six bilateral cases. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first individual report of bilateral stage I CMA in which the inciting event is established and a uniquely rapid progress of disease followed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The present literature regarding CMA is incomplete and further investigation is required to provide greater insight into its aetiology and pathogenesis. Minimally invasive endoscopic approaches can be employed to re-establish aeration to the affected maxillary sinus for symptomatic relief, to halt disease progression and facilitate antral remodelling and sinus re-expansion.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia. Electronic address: da.gunaratne@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Dakshika A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Gunaratne
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
authors.forename: Zubair
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Hasan
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Floros
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia; University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
authors.forename: Narinder
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Singh
keywords: Chronic maxillary atelectasis; Endoscopic sinus surgery; Maxillary sinus; Sinusitis