Isolated inverting papilloma of the sphenoid sinus

Objectives/Hypothesis: Primary inverting papilloma of the sphenoid sinus is rare. We present a case of inverting papilloma with isolated involvement of the sphenoid sinus and discuss the incidence, clinical presentation, radiographic features; histological findings, and management of patients with this disease. Study Design: Case report. Methods: The medical records, films, and pathology slides of a patient with isolated inverting papilloma of the sphenoid sinus seen at University of California Los Angeles Medical Center were reviewed. The clinical presentation, radiographic features, histopathological findings, treatment, and outcome of the case were examined. Results: A single case of inverting papilloma with isolated involvement of the sphenoid sinus is presented. Headache and diplopia were the presenting complaints, as is often seen with other isolated sphenoid sinus lesions. Endoscopic intranasal sphenoid sinusotomy was performed, and no evidence of recurrent disease has been seen after 6 months of follow-up. Conclusions: Isolated inverting papilloma of the sphenoid sinus is a rare phenomenon. In contrast to the vast majority of cases that present with nasal complaints (i.e., unilateral nasal obstruction, epistaxis) because of involvement of the lateral nasal wall, the clinical presentation of inverting papillomas confined to the sphenoid sinus is often nonspecific and insidious, with visual deficits being the predominant feature. Nevertheless, functional endoscopic intranasal sphenoidotomy remains an effective mode of treatment for patients with these lesions.