Isolated Sphenoid Sinus Lesions: Experience with a Few Rare Pathologies.
BACKGROUND
The sphenoid sinus is often neglected because of its difficult access. The deep position of the sphenoid sinus hinders early diagnosis of pathologies in that location. Delayed diagnosis can cause serious complications due to proximity to many important structures.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to demonstrate different pathologies which can affect the sphenoid sinus and elucidate the findings.


METHODS
Cases of isolated sphenoid sinus lesions encountered in the neurosurgical setting which had rare pathologies are discussed. Pathologies such as Langerhans cell histiocytosis, solitary plasmacytoma, chordoma, pituitary adenoma, leiomyosarcoma, fungal infection, and mucocele which appeared primarily in sphenoid sinus are discussed along with their imaging features and pathological findings.


CONCLUSIONS
Multitude of different pathologies can occur in sphenoid sinus. Detailed preoperative imaging is very helpful, but transnasal biopsy and histological study are required often for definitive diagnosis. The possible advantages of early diagnosis before spread of pathology for prognosis cannot be overemphasized.
Department of Neurosurgery, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Nishanth
N
Sadashiva
Department of Neuropathology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
B N
BN
Nandeesh
Department of Neurosurgery, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Dhaval
D
Shukla
Department of Neurosurgery, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Dhananjaya
D
Bhat
Department of Neurosurgery, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Sampath
S
Somanna
Department of Neurosurgery, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Bhagavatula Indira
BI
Devi
Chordoma; Langerhans cell histiocytosis; leiomyosarcoma; mucocele; pituitary adenoma; plasmacytoma; sphenoid sinus