A Brief Clinical Study: Consecutive Occurences of Frontal Sinus Pneumocele

Abstract

Sinus pneumocele is a rare condition marked by pathologic expansion of a paranasal sinus with concomitant bone loss. Here, we describe the case of a 24-year-old male who first presented with a 2×3 cm bony projection of his right medial forehead. Exam and history were notably absent for any skin tethering, prior trauma, inflammation, or neurological symptoms. A computed tomography scan confirmed the prominence was secondary to an enlarged right frontal sinus. The pneumocele was successfully corrected through surgery, but the patient notably developed a similar presentation on the left frontal sinus nearly 1 year later. Clinical findings support a hypothesis of air trapping through mucosal thickening. This second pneumocele was managed similarly.