Isolated sphenoid sinusitis

Backgrounds: Isolated sphenoid sinusitis is an uncommon disease. Because of the vague symptoms of this disease, it is usually difficult to be diagnosed early. Any delay in treatment may result in serious and potentially life-threatening complications. Methods: From 1986 to 1997, we came across 16 cases of isolated sphenoid sinusitis. In this report, we retrospectively reviewed and analysed the charts of these patients and summarized the clinical manifestations, concomitant systemic diseases, results of the bacterial cultures, surgical methods, therapeutic courses and results. Results: In this series, headache was found to be the most common symptom and could be the sole initial complaint of the patients. Most of the patients recovered if early diagnosis was made and aggressive surgery performed. Conclusions: At present, endoscopic sphenoidotomy is the mainstay of treatment for isolated sphenoid sinusitis. However, the patients who were immune-compromised had poorer prognosis because of potential orbital and intracranial complications.