Paranasal sinus mucocele

Last revised by Myky Tran on 27 May 2023

Paranasal sinus mucoceles represent complete opacification of one or more paranasal sinuses by mucus, often associated with bony expansion due to obstruction of the nasal sinus drainage.

Clinical presentation depends on two factors:

  1. location and direction of expansion

  2. presence of infection

Mucoceles distort local anatomy and exert pressure on adjacent structures as they enlarge. Examples include:

If a mucocele becomes infected, the clinical presentation is similar to acute sinusitis, with the potential extension of infection into adjacent spaces:

Mucoceles most likely occur as a result of obstruction of the ostium of a sinus due to inflammation, trauma, mass lesion, etc., with resultant accumulation of mucus and eventual expansion of the sinus. Some authors (the minority) believe that they represent a mucous retention cyst that gradually enlarges, eventually filling the whole sinus 2. Chronic non-invasive fungal sinusitis has also been associated with the formation of mucoceles 2,3. From a radiological point of view, which of these hypotheses is correct is immaterial.

The content of the mucocele is variable, and this impacts on the imaging appearances (see below). Most simple mucoceles are formed by clear thick mucus. If the mucocele has been infected (pyocele) then the content is similar to pus.

The frontal sinus is particularly prone to developing mucoceles, and up to two-thirds of all mucoceles occur there. The ethmoidal sinuses are the next most common (~25%), whereas the maxillary and sphenoid sinuses are infrequently involved 2.

Mucoceles are best imaged with a combination of CT (to assess bony changes) and MRI (to assess any extension into the orbit or intracranial compartment). The presence of air within an affected sinus rules out the possibility of a mucocele 5.

Skull radiographs do not have a significant role to play in the diagnosis of mucoceles. If obtained, they demonstrate opacification and expansion of the affected sinus.

The affected sinus is completely opacified and the margins are expanded and usually thinned. Areas of complete bone resorption may be present, resulting in bony defect and extension of the 'mass' into adjacent tissues 2,3. Peripheral calcification is sometimes seen 2. Following administration of contrast, only peripheral enhancement (if any) is seen.

The content of the sinus is variable, depending on the degree of hydration, ranging from near-water attenuation to hyperattenuating as secretions become increasingly thick and desiccated 3.

MRI signal intensity is highly variable and depends on the proportions of water, mucus and protein 1-3:

  • T1

    • water-rich content: low signal (most common)

    • protein-rich content: high signal

  • T2

    • water-rich content: high signal (most common)

    • protein-rich content: low signal

  • T1 C+ (Gd): enhancement, if present, only occurs at the periphery

  • DWI: variable

NB: colonization with fungus can lead to very low signal on both T1 and T2 weighted sequences, mimicking a normal aerated sinus 3.

In general, drainage and marsupialization of an affected sinus are sufficient. If large bony defects are present, reconstructive surgery may be necessary (e.g. of the orbital floor). If drainage remains impaired, the mucocele may recur.

There is often little differential, if any, provided that contrast material has been administered. The differential includes:

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