T. Grundmann et H. Weerda, INTRACRANIAL AND ORBITAL COMPLICATIONS OF PARANASAL SINUSITIS IN INFANCY - THE ROLE OF FUNCTIONAL ENDOSCOPIC SURGERY (FES), Laryngo-, Rhino-, Otologie, 76(9), 1997, pp. 534-539
Background: Orbital or endocranial complications of sinusitis are rare
clinical syndromes in infancy. Methods: We retrospectively examined t
he complications that occured and the role of Functional endoscopic si
nus surgery (FES). Results: Most of the complications were caused by a
cute inflammation of the ethmoid or sphenoid cells with direkt extensi
on through dehiscent areas (flat bone) or neurovascular foramina. MRT
had the highest sensitivity in detecting acute inflammatory foci. Earl
y elimination of the cause of inflammation by FESS prevents spread of
the complication. Advantages of FESS included better orientation and s
urgical access to the paranasal system of infants. The orbital complic
ations were treated by surgical exploration of the communication pathw
ays by a new endoscopic speculum. Conclusion: Early elimination of acu
te inflammatory foci by FESS prevents spread of infection in complicat
ions of paranasal sinusitis in infancy.