Maxillary sinus pain with radiolucent sinuses due to agenesis of the membranous ostium

Publication date: Available online 19 October 2018

Source: European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Diseases

Author(s): R. Jankowski, C. Rumeau, D.T. Nguyen, P. Gallet

Abstract

Introduction

The absence of opacities on CT scan usually eliminates paranasal sinus disease as a cause of facial pain. The authors report a case, which constitutes an exception to this general rule, corresponding to a new aetiology of sinus pain.

Case report

A 16-year-old boy presented with very painful "recurrent acute sinusitis" triggered by pressure changes (altitude, diving, surfing), with no sinus opacity on CT scan. Surgical exploration demonstrated absence of a primary or accessory maxillary ostium. Middle meatus antrostomy relieved the patient's pain.

Discussion

The pathophysiology of this case of recurrent acute pseudo-sinusitis and the efficacy of antrostomy can be explained by the evo-devo theory of the origin and function of the paranasal sinuses. This case illustrates the absence of communication in the ethmoid of the membranous sac lining the maxillary sinus, formed by degeneration of the maxillary erythropoietic bone marrow. Under stable environmental conditions, the continuous production of nitric oxide by the sinus epithelium is eliminated by simple transmembrane diffusion, but is insufficiently eliminated in the case of rapid pressure changes, inducing sometimes very severe sinus pain, mimicking sinusitis. This case report paves the way for more detailed studies on the role of the paranasal sinuses in facial disease and respiratory physiology.

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