Atelectasis of the maxillary sinus is unusual cause of retrobulbar headache. CBCT imaging and description of the case

Abstract

Aim: Silent Sinus Syndrome (SSS) represents a rare pathology, caracterized by atlectasis of maxillary sinus and by expansion of orbital volume because of orbital floor subsidence. Generally, clinic characteristics are enophthalmos and hypoglobus with facial asymmetry. In some rare case, SSS has been manifested with diplopia. Materials and methods: Diagnosis of SSS is always confirmed by a maxillo-facial TC. We have performed CBCT of the nose and paranasal sinus by Galileos GAX9 (Sirona Dental System GmbH Bensheim, Germany). Images were analyzed by Sidexis XG software (Sirona X-ray Imaging System Next Generation, Sirona Dental System GmbH, Bensheim, Germany). We evaluated the patient in axial, coronal and sagittal projection. We also made a 3D reconstruction of left maxillary sinu. Results: We describe a case of Silent Sinus Syndrome with atypical characteristics because it begun with retro-bulbar headache and diagnosed by Cone Beam Computed Tomography. This is the first case described with this clinic picture and studied with CBCT. Conclusion: SSS is a rare manifestation due to atelectasis of maxillary sinus.