Frontal and maxillary silent sinus syndrome in a 7-year-old child

Background. Silent sinus syndrome is a rare condition characterized by asymptomatic sinus hypoplasia, progressive enophthalmos, and facial asymmetry. Typically, this condition develops in the maxillary sinus as a result of impaired ventilation through the natural ostium. Several articles have been published describing atypical locations of atelectasis, such as the frontal sinus (FS) and ethmoid labyrinth cells in adults. There is no information available on silent sinus syndrome in children. Clinical case. This publication describes the first documented observation of unilateral silent sinus syndrome that developed simultaneously in the maxillary and frontal sinuses in a 7-year-old child. Endoscopic endonasal maxillotomy and frontal sinusotomy restored airflow to the frontal sinus, created conditions for “straightening” the maxillary sinus and increasing its volume. We present the results of surgical treatment and long-term outcomes. Conclusion. The significance of this clinical case lies in the rare localization of atelectasis simultaneously in two paranasal sinuses on one side. It is also worth noting that the frontal sinus airflow is restored faster, and the maxillary sinus on the side of atelectasis recoils more rapidly within the first year after its ventilation is restored.
Keywords: paranasal sinuses, chronic sinusitis, children, computed tomography, chronic atelectasis, silent sinus syndrome, endoscopic sinus surgery, frontal sinus
Conflict of interest. The authors have no conflicts of interest.
Funding. The work was completed without sponsorship.