Fibrous Histiocytoma of Anterior Ethmoidal Sinus: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Benign fibrous histiocytoma of the para nasal sinus is a rare tumor of this region which originates from mesenchymal cells. A 9-year-old girl presented with gradually enlarging mass above the medial canthus over 3 months. Orbital computerized tomography scan showed a round well-differentiated homogeneous mass in the anterior ethmoidal sinus. Histology and immunohistochemistry analysis after excision revealed proliferation of spindle-shaped fibroblasts in storiform pattern and histiocytes without mitosis and anaplasia. After 9 months from surgical excision, recurrence occurred which resulted in total excision again. This is the first reported case of benign fibrous histiocytoma involving the ethmoid sinus in Iranian people. Rare sinus tumor should be considered in the differential diagnosis of sinus tumors.

Synovial Sarcoma of Ethmoidal Sinus

Background Synovial sarcoma is an aggressive soft tissue cancer of extremities mainly and rare in head and neck region, whereas rarest in ethmoidal sinus as only three cases have been reported till date. Case Reports We managed two cases of synovial sarcoma who presented with nasal obstruction, epistaxis, and swelling around the nasofacial region. Endoscopic nasal biopsy and immunohistochemistry markers confirmed synovial sarcoma in both the cases. While one case was managed by surgery and chemoradiation, the second patient received two cycles of ifosfamide-based chemotherapy and succumbed after 6 weeks of diagnosis. Conclusion Head and neck sarcomas are aggressive and carry a poor prognosis. Surgical resection with postoperative radiotherapy is the standard treatment. However, they have a high risk of recurrence and hence aggressive management and close follow-up is warranted for the optimal outcome.

Right Ethmoidal Sinus Schwannoma: Case Report of a Common Entity with an Unusual Presentation

Schwannomas are benign, encapsulated nerve sheath tumors arising from Schwann cells. Approximately, 25-40% of all Schwannomas occur in the head and neck region, acoustic nerve being the most frequent site. The tumors originating from nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses are rare and constitutes only four percent. A 40-year-old male presented with history of blurred vision of right eye and protrusion of right eye ball since 6 months. It was associated with history of watering and redness. Examination of right eye revealed mild proptosis and ptosis. Computed Tomography [CT] scan showed a large expansile cystic lesion measuring about 5.2x5.6x6.5cm involving entire right ethmoidal sinus. It showed expansion into anterior cranial fossa, roof and medial wall of right orbit. Radiological opinion suggested mucocele of right ethmoidal sinus. Intra-operatively, tissue specimen was sent for squash smear cytology. Cytology smears showed features suggestive of spindle cell tumor. Possibility of Schwannoma was considered. The specimen was subsequently subjected to histopathological examination. Microscopy showed tumor tissue composed of tumor cells arranged in alternate hypercellular and hypocellular pattern. Hypercellular areas showed occasional verocay bodies. Hypocellular areas showed loosely arranged spindle shaped tumor cells. Histopathological features were suggestive of Schwannoma. On Immunohistochemistry (IHC), neoplastic cells were positive for S-100 and negative for EMA. Ethmoidal sinus schwannoma extending into anterior cranial fossa is an unusual presentation. Clinically, it poses a diagnostic dilemma. Squash smear cytology is challenging, but helpful in establishing the correct diagnosis. Histopathology is confirmatory and immunohistochemistry is supportive.

Transsphenoidal Optic Canal Decompression for Traumatic Optic Neuropathy Assisted by a Computed Tomography Image Postprocessing Technique

The endoscopic transethmoidal approach is favored for the lack of external scars, a wide field of view, and rapid recovery time. But the effect of iatrogenic trauma should not be ignored due to the removal of the uncinate process and anterior and posterior ethmoidal sinus. Anatomically, the optic nerve is close to the sphenoid sinus and Onodi cell. In order to preserve the uncinate process and ethmoidal sinus, we perform endoscopic transsphenoidal optic canal decompression (ETOCD), which is less invasive. However, the anatomy of sphenoid sinus is quite variable, and the anatomical landmarks are rare. Therefore, identifying the position of optic canal is particularly important during surgery. To solve this, we use a postprocessing technique to identify the position of the optic nerve and internal carotid artery on the sphenoid sinus wall. Our results find that VA in 13 patients improved, with a total improve rate of 59.1%. No serious complications were found. We also found that the length of optic canal is different and the medial wall of the optic canal was the longest (p<0.05). The middle section of the optic canal is the narrowest, which was significantly different from cranial mouth and orbital mouth (p<0.05). We assumed that decompression may not require removal of all medial wall. If we remove the length of the shortest wall on the medial wall of the optic canal, the compression may be relieved. Thus, ETOCD was a feasible, safe, effective, and less-invasive approach for patients with TON. The CT postprocessing imaging facilitated recognition of the optic canal during surgery. The decompression length of the medial wall may not need to be completely removed, especially near the cranial mouth.