Self-inserted Sphenoid Sinus Foreign Bodies

Abstract

This report describes the case of a patient who inserted 3 foreign bodies into her right sphenoid sinus. The possible consequences of sphenoid sinus foreign bodies are described, as well as the importance of a psychiatric workup in such cases.

Endoscopic Endonasal Removal of A Sphenoidal Sinus Foreign Body Extending into Intracranial Space

“…They are found in the frontal and maxillary sinuses relatively more commonly than in the ethmoid and sphenoidal sinuses. [2,6,7] There are only few reported cases involving the sphenoidal sinus. [2] From a literature review, in the majority of cases, the foreign body was made of a metallic substance and was often associated with an orbital and/or maxillofacial trauma.…”

“…[2,6,7] There are only few reported cases involving the sphenoidal sinus. [2] From a literature review, in the majority of cases, the foreign body was made of a metallic substance and was often associated with an orbital and/or maxillofacial trauma. [13] In this case, our patient was exposed to a high-energy orbital trauma and a metallic foreign body penetrated into his sphenoidal sinus and intracranial space.…”

“…All foreign bodies in the paranasal sinuses may serve as an infection nidus. [2] Because of the close relationship between the sphenoidal sinus, optic nerve, cavernous sinus, ICA and other important structures of the skull base, sphenoidal sinusitis secondary to a foreign body may cause catastrophic results. [14,15] For all these reasons, the sphenoidal sinus foreign body must be completely removed.…”

“…[1] Most incidences of these objects usually occur with trauma, penetrating injuries, motor vehicle accidents, and iatrogenic and intracranial lesions. [2][3][4][5] In addition, paranasal sinus foreign bodies are found in the frontal and maxillary sinuses relatively more often than the ethmoidal and sphenoid sinuses. [2,6,7] The foreign body usually reaches the sphenoid sinus through the orbit or the nostril.…”

“…[2][3][4][5] In addition, paranasal sinus foreign bodies are found in the frontal and maxillary sinuses relatively more often than the ethmoidal and sphenoid sinuses. [2,6,7] The foreign body usually reaches the sphenoid sinus through the orbit or the nostril. [8] Their close relationship to the adjacent vascular and neural structures makes sphenoidal sinus injuries a potentially life-threatening occurrence.…”