J Korean Assoc Oral Maxillofac Surg.  2020 Apr;46(2):155-159. 10.5125/jkaoms.2020.46.2.155.

Early-diagnosed silent sinus syndrome and cone-beam computed tomography in a pediatric patient: a case report

• Leidens N
• Franco A
• Santos MC
• Makeeva IM
• Fernandes

• KMID: 2500672
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5125/jkaoms.2020.46.2.155

Abstract

Chronic maxillary atelectasis (CMA) is a progressive alteration in the volume of the maxillary sinuses that may result in facial asymmetry. CMA in asymptomatic patients is known as silent sinus syndrome (SSS) and is a rare entity, especially in pediatric patients. This study reports a case of SSS in a pediatric patient who received an early diagnosis through cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). An asymptomatic 12-year-old female patient in orthodontic treatment presented with opacification of the left maxillary sinus on a panoramic radiograph. Clinically, the patient had discrete hypoglobus and enophthalmos. CBCT and nasal video-endoscopy revealed ostiomeatal obstruction with bone deformity, leading to diagnosis of SSS. Endonasal endoscopic maxillary sinusotomy was performed. Two years later, the patient remained asymptomatic, and a second CBCT exam confirmed a stable condition. This case highlights the role of optimal radiographic interpretation for early diagnosis of maxillofacial alterations in pediatric patients.

Keyword

Cone-beam computed tomography; Diagnosis; Maxillary sinus; Atelectasis; Surgery