Mucocele in an Onodi cell with simultaneous bilateral visual disturbance

Auris Nasus Larynx. 2006 Jun;33(2):199-202. doi: 10.1016/j.anl.2005.11.024. Epub 2006 May 3.

Abstract

The Onodi cell is a large pneumatized posterior ethmoid cell and closely related to optic nerve. We present an extremely rare case of retrobulbar optic neuropathy caused by mucocele in an Onodi cell. A 79-year-old man complained of headaches and simultaneous bilateral visual disturbance. A computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated a mucocele in an Onodi cell, which involved bilateral optic nerves. The surgical treatment with a transnasal endoscopic approach was performed, resulting in the improving of visual acuity. The bilateral optic nerves were identified along each lateral wall into an Onodi cell accompanied with bone defect. In an Onodi cell, even if the lesion is isolated and/or small, it may be closely related to ocular symptoms. Imaging studies should be considered for the differential diagnosis because early diagnosis and prompt surgical treatment for mucocele are needed for recovery of visual impairment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Endoscopy / methods
  • Ethmoid Sinus / diagnostic imaging*
  • Ethmoid Sinus / pathology*
  • Ethmoid Sinus / surgery
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Methylprednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Mucocele / complications
  • Mucocele / diagnosis*
  • Mucocele / therapy
  • Optic Nerve / physiopathology*
  • Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / methods
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Vision Disorders / diagnosis
  • Vision Disorders / etiology*
  • Vision Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Visual Acuity / physiology

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Methylprednisolone