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Sphenochoanal polyps in children – a systematic review (1995–2021)

Abstract

Objectives:

Nasal polyps that originate from the sphenoid sinus and reach the nasopharynx are called sphenochoanal polyps. Reports on sphenochoanal polyps in children have thus far been limited only to case reports. This review aims to describe and summarize clinical presentation, diagnosis, management, surgical approaches to the sphenochoanal polyps with recurrence rate after surgery in pediatric patients reported in the literature.

Methods:

A systematic literature review was performed using PubMed, MEDLINE and Cochrane Library Databases for articles published prior to December 2021 to identify all studies reporting on pediatric patients with sphenochoanal polyps. Clinical presentation, management options, surgical approaches and outcomes of applied management were extracted from included studies.

Results:

9 articles provided data on 11 eligible patients with an age range 3 years and 8 months-16 years. The commonest symptoms included: nasal obstruction, nasal discharge, and headache respectively. All patients were subjected to surgical treatment. No recurrences after the endoscopic sphenoidotomy were reported.

Conclusion:

Sphenochoanal polyps should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of unilateral nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses masses. Misdiagnosis can result in recurrences in patients with sphenochoanal polyp, who can be mistakenly diagnosed with antrochoanal polyp and underwent inadequate treatment not involving sphenoidotomy and exact identification of the site of implantation. The symptoms of sphenochoanal polyps are nonspecific.

KEYWORDS
Nasal polyps; Choanal polyps; Child

HIGHLIGHTS

Nasal polyps that originate from the sphenoid sinus and reach the nasopharynx are called sphenochoanal polyps.

Only 11 cases of sphenochoanal polyps in children have been described in the world English-language literature.

The symptoms of sphenochoanal polyps are nonspecific. The misdiagnosis can result in recurrences in patients with sphenochoanal polyp.

Sphenochoanal polyps should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of unilateral nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses masses.

Introduction

A choanal polyp is a benign solitary mass originating from the edematous and inflamed mucosa of the paranasal sinuses, passing through the sinus ostium, located within the nasal cavity, and extending to the nasopharynx with a wide pedicle.11 Çeçen A, Kemal O, Atmaca S, Kavaz E. Isolated sphenochoanal polyp: report of three cases. Hippokratia. 2017;21:150–3. Nasal choanal polyps occur in three different forms: sphenochoanal, antrochoanal, and ethmoidochoanal polyps.22 Kumral TL, Yildirim G, Uyar Y Sphenochoanal polyps and the optic nerve. Clin Pract. 2012;2:10. Out of these 3 pathologies antrochoanal polyps are the most frequently reported while sphenochoanal and ethmochoanal polyps are very rare.11 Çeçen A, Kemal O, Atmaca S, Kavaz E. Isolated sphenochoanal polyp: report of three cases. Hippokratia. 2017;21:150–3.

Antrochoanal polyp (ACP) is a maxillary sinus polyp that originates in the maxillary sinus, grows through the maxillary ostium into the nasal cavity, without bone erosion or expansion, and extends posteriorly towards the choana.33 Özdek A, Erdem H. Unusual presentations of choanal polyps: report of 3 cases. Ear Nose Throat J. 2014;93:E10–3., 44 Mantilla E, Villamor P, De La Torre C, Álvarez-Neri H. Combined approach for paediatric recurrent antrochoanal polyp: a single-centre case series of 27 children. J Laryngol Otol. 2019;133:627–31. It represents around 10% of all nasal polyps in adults, and 33% in children.55 Yuca K, Bayram Ï, Kiroǧlu AF, Etlik O, Cankaya H, Sakin F et al. Evaluation and treatment of antrochoanal polyps. J Otolaryngol. 2006;35:420–3.

Sphenochoanal polyps are an uncommon form of choanal polyp.22 Kumral TL, Yildirim G, Uyar Y Sphenochoanal polyps and the optic nerve. Clin Pract. 2012;2:10. They originate from the sphenoid sinus wall, exit the sinus via the sphenoid ostium, pass through the sphenoethmoidal recess, and reach the choana.22 Kumral TL, Yildirim G, Uyar Y Sphenochoanal polyps and the optic nerve. Clin Pract. 2012;2:10. They have intrasinusoidal, ostial, and extra-sinusoidal components.22 Kumral TL, Yildirim G, Uyar Y Sphenochoanal polyps and the optic nerve. Clin Pract. 2012;2:10. They are even more rare than antrochoanal polyps. Therefore, sphenochoanal polyp can be mistaken for its more common counterpart – the antrochoanal polyp.66 Jadia S, Goyal R, Biswas R. Nasal mass mimicking antrochoanal polyp. BMJ Case Rep. 2010;2010. In pediatric population the frequency has not been reported. Tosun et al. reported that almost 50% of sphenochoanal polyps reported in the literature occurred in children.77 Tosun F Yetiser S, Akcam T Özkaptan Y Sphenochoanal polyp: endoscopic surgery. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2001;58:87–90. The etiopathogenesis of antrochoanal and sphenochoanal polyps has still not been fully clarified.88 Gursoy M, Erdogan N, Cetinoglu Y Dag F, Eren E, Uluc M. Anatomic variations associated with antrochoanal polyps. Niger J Clin Pract. 2019;22:603–8.

Similarily to antrochoanal polyps, the treatment should be always surgical. All parts of the polyp should be resected to avoid recurrence.99 Özdek A, Samim E, Bayiz Ü, Meral I, Şafak MA, Oǧuz H. Antrochoanal polyps in children. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2002;65:213–8. Due to the proximity of the optic nerve and carotid artery they cannot be removed in uncontrolled way. Uncontrolled pulling on the nasal polyp with forceps is dangerous due to the proximity of the carotid artery and optic nerve, which can be damaged during surgery.22 Kumral TL, Yildirim G, Uyar Y Sphenochoanal polyps and the optic nerve. Clin Pract. 2012;2:10.

With the development in the endoscopic surgery, these less invasive methods of treatment gained popularity in pediatric antrochoanal polyps’ surgery. The endoscopic sinus surgery is now considered the ‘gold standard’ – the first choice for primary treatment in children.44 Mantilla E, Villamor P, De La Torre C, Álvarez-Neri H. Combined approach for paediatric recurrent antrochoanal polyp: a single-centre case series of 27 children. J Laryngol Otol. 2019;133:627–31., 1010 Galluzzi F, Pignataro L, Maddalone M, Garavello W. Recurrences of surgery for antrochoanal polyps in children: a systematic review. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2018;106:26–30. However, the recurrences of ACPs in children are still high.1010 Galluzzi F, Pignataro L, Maddalone M, Garavello W. Recurrences of surgery for antrochoanal polyps in children: a systematic review. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2018;106:26–30.

Reports on sphenochoanal polyps in children have thus far been limited to case reports. No systematic reviews on sphenochoanal polyps in children appeared up to date. Little attention has been paid to complex clinical presentation, diagnosis, management, surgical decision-making, and surgical approaches in children. As no larger studies exists, this review aims to describe and summarize clinical presentation, diagnosis, management, and surgical approaches to the sphenochoanal polyps in pediatric patients reported in the literature.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search for all publications on sphenochoanal polyps in pediatric patients up to December 2021 was performed. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed (Fig. 1).1111 Moher D, Altman DG, Liberati A, Tetzlaff J. PRISMA statement. Epidemiology. 2011;22:128. The last date for this search was 30th November 2021.

Figure 1
Search methodology.

The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE as well as PubMed search engine (National Center for Biotechnology Information, Bethesda MD) were queried with the following search parameters: the term “sphenochoanal polyp”. The search query was further stratified by publication date in descending order. 38 publications were available; the list of publications was filtered by “Language – English”, reducing the total query to 30 publications. A two-researcher team then performed a systematic review of all 30 publications using the following inclusion criteria to select articles: (1) sphenochoanal polyp was the primary focus of the article; (2) sphenochoanal polyp was diagnosed in pediatric patient; (3) clinical presentation of the disease was described; (4) management of the sphenochoanal polyp was described; (5) follow-up period was described. If not available, the study was excluded. Data extraction from the articles included in the review was independently conducted by 2 reviewers and results were consistent.

Due to heterogeneity of the included studies, metaanalysis was not considered appropriate; therefore, only a qualitative analysis was conducted.

Results

A diagram outlining the summary of the search process is shown in Fig. 1. After applying described filters, a total of 30 articles were identified. Screening by title and abstract excluded 2 articles. After screening the title and abstract, 28 full texts were reviewed. In total, of the 38 publications provided by primary search, 9 articles were identified between two reviewers as meeting the inclusion criteria, spanning from 1995 to 2019 (Fig. 1). All identified studies are shown in Table 1.

Table 1
Clinical presentation, diagnosis, management, surgical approaches to the sphenochoanal polyps with recurrence rate after surgery in pediatric patients reported in the literature.

All studies combined encompassed 11 patients aged 18 years or younger. The overall mean age at diagnosis was 12 years with a range 3 years and 8 months-16 years. The male to female ratio was 4:7. 7 females and 4 males were included.

Clinical presentation

The commonest reported symptoms included: nasal obstruction, nasal discharge, snoring and headache. In 10/11 patients’ nasal obstruction was primary symptom. 1 patient – the youngest reported patient with sphenochoanal polyp – 3-year-old girl presented with 18-month history of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea as her only symptom.

All reported symptoms are shown in Table 2.

Table 2
Symptoms reported by pediatric patient with sphenochoanal polyps.

Diagnosis

Paranasal sinus Computed Tomography (CT) was done in 11 out of 11 patients (100%). Computed tomography of the nose and paranasal sinuses confirmed in all cases the presence of a mass in the nasal cavity, which extended to the choana with opacification of the sphenoid sinus. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was performed for further evaluation in 1 child to exclude an encephalocele.

Management and surgical approaches

11 out of 11 patients (100%) underwent surgical treatment. 10 out of 11 patients were subjected to endoscopic sinus surgery. In 2 patients, prior to endoscopic sinus surgery, nasopharyngeal part of the polyp was delivered through the mouth following disconnection from the pedicle.77 Tosun F Yetiser S, Akcam T Özkaptan Y Sphenochoanal polyp: endoscopic surgery. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2001;58:87–90.

One case of spontaneous regression of a sphenochoanal polyp in a 3-year-old girl was observed during the surgery – bilateral transethmoid sphenoidotomy revealed normal sinuses.1313 Lim WK, Sdralis T Regression of a sphenochoanal polyp in a child. Laryngoscope. 2004;114:903–5.

Recurrence rate

The follow up ranged from 3-months to 3-years (mean 16-months). No evidence of recurrence after endoscopic sphenoidotomy was observed during the last follow-up in all patients.

However, in the group of patients subjected to endoscopic sinus surgery 1 recurrence was noted due to misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment (middle meatal antrostomy) in 1 patient with sphenochoanal polyp. The antrochoanal polyp was primarily diagnosed in this 11-year-old boy.1414 Crampette L, Mondain M, Rombaux P. Sphenochoanal polyp in children. Diagnosis and treatment. Rhinology. 1995;33:43–5. The polyp was removed, the maxillary sinus was explored through a middle meatal antrostomy, and the mucosa was removed, but the site of the origin of the polyp was not found in the maxillary sinus.1414 Crampette L, Mondain M, Rombaux P. Sphenochoanal polyp in children. Diagnosis and treatment. Rhinology. 1995;33:43–5. The post-operative diagnosis was “antrochoanal polyp”. Four months later, the symptoms returned and a recurrence of the polyp at the same location was observed.1414 Crampette L, Mondain M, Rombaux P. Sphenochoanal polyp in children. Diagnosis and treatment. Rhinology. 1995;33:43–5. The CT scan showed an opacity of the right sphenoethmoidal recess and right sphenoid sinus.1414 Crampette L, Mondain M, Rombaux P. Sphenochoanal polyp in children. Diagnosis and treatment. Rhinology. 1995;33:43–5. The boy was subjected to second surgery, during which wide sphenoidotomy was performed.1414 Crampette L, Mondain M, Rombaux P. Sphenochoanal polyp in children. Diagnosis and treatment. Rhinology. 1995;33:43–5. The site of the origin of the polyp was located in the inferolateral part of the right sphenoid sinus. After three-year follow-up no recurrence was observed.

Discussion

Sphenochoanal polyps are an uncommon form of choanal polyp. The first report of this rare entity is attributed to Zuckerkandl (1892).77 Tosun F Yetiser S, Akcam T Özkaptan Y Sphenochoanal polyp: endoscopic surgery. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2001;58:87–90. They are usually solitary, but may occur with concomitant nasal polyps.22 Kumral TL, Yildirim G, Uyar Y Sphenochoanal polyps and the optic nerve. Clin Pract. 2012;2:10. A solitary polyp in the posterior part of the nasal passage can easily be diagnosed on anterior rhinoscopy but differentiation of the choanal polyps by only its appearance is impossible.77 Tosun F Yetiser S, Akcam T Özkaptan Y Sphenochoanal polyp: endoscopic surgery. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2001;58:87–90. Other atypical sites of origin for choanal polyps have been reported in the literature; these sites include the anterior ethmoid sinus, the nasal septum, and the inferior and middle turbinates.33 Özdek A, Erdem H. Unusual presentations of choanal polyps: report of 3 cases. Ear Nose Throat J. 2014;93:E10–3.

The symptoms of sphenochoanal polyps are nonspecific. Most nasal polyps produce the same symptoms, which can include nasal obstruction, nasal discharge, headache, snoring, nose bleeds, and ear fullness associated with eustachian tube obstruction.22 Kumral TL, Yildirim G, Uyar Y Sphenochoanal polyps and the optic nerve. Clin Pract. 2012;2:10. Children most commonly present with nasal obstruction and discharge. On the other hand, nasal symptoms are less common in children with acute isolated sphenoid sinusitis. According to recent systematic review on acute isolated sphenoid sinusitis in children 98.6% patients with this entity presented with the primary symptom of a headache, 50.7% had a fever, and only 22.5% presented with nasal symptoms including nasal discharge and congestion.1717 Clement WA, Sooby P, Doherty C, Qayyum N, Irwin G. Acute isolated sphenoid sinusitis in children: a case series and systematic review of the literature. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2021;140. 32.4% presented with headache in isolation.1717 Clement WA, Sooby P, Doherty C, Qayyum N, Irwin G. Acute isolated sphenoid sinusitis in children: a case series and systematic review of the literature. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2021;140.

In pediatric population the exact frequency of sphenochoanal polyps has not been reported. In 2001 Tosun et al. noted that a few case reports addressing the resection of sphenochoanal polyps have appeared in the literature and almost fifty percent of the sphenochoanal polyps were reported in children.77 Tosun F Yetiser S, Akcam T Özkaptan Y Sphenochoanal polyp: endoscopic surgery. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2001;58:87–90. However, the incidence was based only on 3 reports.

During the review process we identified 12 articles describing sphenochoanal polyps in children. All studies combined encompassed 15 patients aged 18 years or younger. However, 3 articles were not included in the study.1818 De Vuysere S, Hermans R, Marchal G. Sinochoanal polyp and its variant, the angiomatous polyp: MRI findings. Eur Radiol. 2001;11:55–8., 1919 Spraggs PDR. Radiological diagnosis of spheno-choanal polyp. J Laryngol Otol. 1993;107:159–60., 2020 Veloso I, Nunes C, Rimoli C, Tagliarini J, Melo L, Queiroga T. Sphenocoanal polyp in an 8-year-old child. Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2014;18:a2214. In the 30 studies matching the first exclusion criteria in which the age of patients with sphenochoanal polyp was determined, we identified 34 patients with this rare entity. Among them we identified 19 adults (56%) and 15 children (44%). Among patients diagnosed with sphenochoanal polyp reported in the literature 44% were children – almost fifty percent of the sphenochoanal polyps were reported in children.

Sphenochoanal polyps can be misdiagnosed as hypertrophied inferior turbinate, adenoid vegetation, pansinusitis, and nasal polyps.22 Kumral TL, Yildirim G, Uyar Y Sphenochoanal polyps and the optic nerve. Clin Pract. 2012;2:10. However, thirteen important neural and vascular structures are adjacent to the sphenoid sinus.2121 Nour YA, Al-Madani A, El-Daly A, Gaafar A. Isolated sphenoid sinus pathology: spectrum of diagnostic and treatment modalities. Auris Nasus Larynx. 2008;35:500–8. Therefore, sinus pathology can result in serious sequelae if diagnosis and treatment when inappropriately delayed.2121 Nour YA, Al-Madani A, El-Daly A, Gaafar A. Isolated sphenoid sinus pathology: spectrum of diagnostic and treatment modalities. Auris Nasus Larynx. 2008;35:500–8.

Isolated sphenoid sinus disease is an uncommon disease that affects 1%–2.7% of patients with diagnosis of paranasal sinus disease.2121 Nour YA, Al-Madani A, El-Daly A, Gaafar A. Isolated sphenoid sinus pathology: spectrum of diagnostic and treatment modalities. Auris Nasus Larynx. 2008;35:500–8., 2222 Polak M, Mierzwiński J, Lasek W, Piziewicz A, Muller M. Izolowane zapalenie zatoki klinowej u dziecka leczone metoda endoskopowa. Polish Otolaryngol J. 2000;1:3–7. However, isolated sphenoid sinus disease can be underreported for a number of reasons.2323 Sethi DS. Isolated sphenoid lesions: diagnosis and management. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1999;120:730–6. First of all, the presenting symptoms are often nonspecific; secondly the inaccessibility of the sinus precludes optimal physical examination.2323 Sethi DS. Isolated sphenoid lesions: diagnosis and management. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1999;120:730–6. Before the advent of CT and MRI scanning, diagnosis of these pathologies was inadequate.2323 Sethi DS. Isolated sphenoid lesions: diagnosis and management. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1999;120:730–6.

Various pathological findings in the region, including vascular neoplasm, vascular malformations, and encephaloceles, can increase the risk of surgery in this region.66 Jadia S, Goyal R, Biswas R. Nasal mass mimicking antrochoanal polyp. BMJ Case Rep. 2010;2010. The differential diagnosis includes antrochoanal polyp, hypertrophied adenoids, Thornwaldt cyst pituitary tumours, lymphoma, fungal disease, inverted papillomas, foreign body and malignant tumors.2424 Wang ZM, Kanoh N, Dai CF, Kutler DI, Xu R, Chi FL, et al. Isolated sphenoid sinus disease: an analysis of 122 cases. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2002;111:323–7. In the major published series, inflammatory etiologies were responsible for 61%–82% of isolated sphenoid lesions.2121 Nour YA, Al-Madani A, El-Daly A, Gaafar A. Isolated sphenoid sinus pathology: spectrum of diagnostic and treatment modalities. Auris Nasus Larynx. 2008;35:500–8.

Space-occupying lesions such as tumors and mucoceles are more likely to present with visual changes than with inflammatory disease.2323 Sethi DS. Isolated sphenoid lesions: diagnosis and management. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1999;120:730–6.

Radiological imaging with CT scanning of paranasal sinuses is regarded as the gold standard in the diagnosis of isolated sphenoid sinus disease.2525 Manjula BV, Nair AB, Balasubramanyam AM, Tandon S, Nayar RC. Isolated sphenoid sinus disease – a retrospective analysis. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2010;62:69–74. CT is useful in determining the extend of the lesion and identifying focal dehiscence’s within the sinus walls.2525 Manjula BV, Nair AB, Balasubramanyam AM, Tandon S, Nayar RC. Isolated sphenoid sinus disease – a retrospective analysis. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2010;62:69–74. MRI is an essential adjunct in the diagnosis and treatment of lesions of the sphenoid sinus. When the diagnosis is difficult, or another pathology is considered, an MRI can be requested as a supplementary imaging modality. As the sphenochoanal polyps may reach huge dimensions, it may be difficult to differentiate it from rhabdomyosarcoma, malignant melanoma, angiofibroma, inverted papilloma and other pedunculated tumors.77 Tosun F Yetiser S, Akcam T Özkaptan Y Sphenochoanal polyp: endoscopic surgery. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2001;58:87–90. Misdiagnosis may cause abundant bleeding or inadequate therapy during surgery.77 Tosun F Yetiser S, Akcam T Özkaptan Y Sphenochoanal polyp: endoscopic surgery. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2001;58:87–90.

Partial or complete opacification may suggest lesions such as sinusitis which do not necessitate an MRI.2525 Manjula BV, Nair AB, Balasubramanyam AM, Tandon S, Nayar RC. Isolated sphenoid sinus disease – a retrospective analysis. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2010;62:69–74. A globular mass filling the sinus usually represents a mucous retention cyst or polyp.2525 Manjula BV, Nair AB, Balasubramanyam AM, Tandon S, Nayar RC. Isolated sphenoid sinus disease – a retrospective analysis. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2010;62:69–74. When thinning, expansion or remodeling of a sinus wall is noted MRI helps to differentiate mucocele from benign tumors.2525 Manjula BV, Nair AB, Balasubramanyam AM, Tandon S, Nayar RC. Isolated sphenoid sinus disease – a retrospective analysis. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2010;62:69–74. Evidence of bone erosion and perisinus extension are hallmarks of malignant disease, including that primary in the sinus and those extending from adjacent areas.2525 Manjula BV, Nair AB, Balasubramanyam AM, Tandon S, Nayar RC. Isolated sphenoid sinus disease – a retrospective analysis. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2010;62:69–74. MRI is more sensitive than CT scan in identifying fungal concretions within the sphenoid sinus.2121 Nour YA, Al-Madani A, El-Daly A, Gaafar A. Isolated sphenoid sinus pathology: spectrum of diagnostic and treatment modalities. Auris Nasus Larynx. 2008;35:500–8.

In study by Nour et al. MRI was performed in patients with isolated sphenoid sinus pathology: in patients with CSF rhinorrhea to exclude the encephaloceles; in lesions with evident intracranial extension to determine the interface with the neighbouring structures; in lesions with hyperattenuated intrasinus signals to exclude fibroosseous conditions or rare osteoid/chondroid matrix-producing sinonasal sarcomas or meningiomas, and in patients presenting with visual disturbance to rule out any concomitant intracranial pathology.2121 Nour YA, Al-Madani A, El-Daly A, Gaafar A. Isolated sphenoid sinus pathology: spectrum of diagnostic and treatment modalities. Auris Nasus Larynx. 2008;35:500–8.

The average age of children presenting with sphenochoanal polyps was 12 years. As noted by Clement et al. an understanding the development of the sphenoid sinus is helpful in understanding the age of presentation for these children.1717 Clement WA, Sooby P, Doherty C, Qayyum N, Irwin G. Acute isolated sphenoid sinusitis in children: a case series and systematic review of the literature. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2021;140. The sphenoid sinus is present in a rudimentary form in some neonates, present in 50%–60% of 2-year-olds and in the majority of 6–8-year-olds with a rapid growth phase occurring between the ages of 3–10-years.1717 Clement WA, Sooby P, Doherty C, Qayyum N, Irwin G. Acute isolated sphenoid sinusitis in children: a case series and systematic review of the literature. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2021;140.

Until the 1980s, the most widely used sphenoid approach was an external approach, through a Lynch incision and ethmoidectomy.2121 Nour YA, Al-Madani A, El-Daly A, Gaafar A. Isolated sphenoid sinus pathology: spectrum of diagnostic and treatment modalities. Auris Nasus Larynx. 2008;35:500–8. The application of the rigid nasal endoscopes and mucosa preserving “functional” principles modernized the treatment of paranasal sinus diseases.2121 Nour YA, Al-Madani A, El-Daly A, Gaafar A. Isolated sphenoid sinus pathology: spectrum of diagnostic and treatment modalities. Auris Nasus Larynx. 2008;35:500–8. Nowadays, endoscopic sinus surgery is an effective treatment of uncommon choanal polyps.1515 Íleri F, Köybaşioǧlu A, Uslu S. Clinical presentation of a sphenochoanal polyp. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 1998;255:138–9. It is now considered the “gold standard” – the first choice for primary treatment in children. Simple polypectomy or polyp avulsion carries a higher risk of recurrence.33 Özdek A, Erdem H. Unusual presentations of choanal polyps: report of 3 cases. Ear Nose Throat J. 2014;93:E10–3. When the polyp is not completely removed, the part left within the sphenoid sinus can cause recurrence.11 Çeçen A, Kemal O, Atmaca S, Kavaz E. Isolated sphenochoanal polyp: report of three cases. Hippokratia. 2017;21:150–3.,2626 Bist SS, Kumar R, Varshney S, Bisht M. Isolated sphenochoanal polyp: a rare clinical entity. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2007;59:56–7. The polyp’s site of origin should be removed to prevent recurrences. This is universal rule guiding the removal of all types of choanal polyps.

The review shows, that 1 recurrence was noted in patient with sphenochoanal polyp, who was primarily diagnosed with antrochoanal polyp and underwent inadequate treatment not involving sphenoidotomy.1414 Crampette L, Mondain M, Rombaux P. Sphenochoanal polyp in children. Diagnosis and treatment. Rhinology. 1995;33:43–5. The recurrence was noted 4-months after the first surgery.1414 Crampette L, Mondain M, Rombaux P. Sphenochoanal polyp in children. Diagnosis and treatment. Rhinology. 1995;33:43–5. The authors noted that the major factors leading to an incorrect diagnosis of antrochoanal polyp when a sphenochoanal polyp is present are: the ignorance of the sphenoid sinus pathology; and sphenochoanal polyp causing obstruction of the maxillary sinus, obstruction, which could wrongly lead to the diagnosis of antrochoanal polyp.1414 Crampette L, Mondain M, Rombaux P. Sphenochoanal polyp in children. Diagnosis and treatment. Rhinology. 1995;33:43–5. An incorrect diagnosis leads to an inappropriate surgical procedure with no exploration of the sphenoid sinus, and sometimes not necessary antrostomy which could have been avoided.1414 Crampette L, Mondain M, Rombaux P. Sphenochoanal polyp in children. Diagnosis and treatment. Rhinology. 1995;33:43–5. Surgical control of sphenoid sinus must be complete.1414 Crampette L, Mondain M, Rombaux P. Sphenochoanal polyp in children. Diagnosis and treatment. Rhinology. 1995;33:43–5. In difficult to access pathology, the use of laser for total eradication of the disease can be beneficial.

Some authors reported spontaneous regression of small sphenochoanal polyps. Lim et al. described the regression of a sphenochoanal polyp in a 3-year-old child.1313 Lim WK, Sdralis T Regression of a sphenochoanal polyp in a child. Laryngoscope. 2004;114:903–5. The child underwent adenoidectomy, during which the left choanal mass approximately 1.5cm in diameter was diagnosed.1313 Lim WK, Sdralis T Regression of a sphenochoanal polyp in a child. Laryngoscope. 2004;114:903–5. Postoperatively, the child was asymptomatic. Although her symptoms resolved, CT scan was performed, revealing an opaque left sphenoid sinus consistent with a polyp, which sat in the left posterior choana.1313 Lim WK, Sdralis T Regression of a sphenochoanal polyp in a child. Laryngoscope. 2004;114:903–5. Endoscopic sinus surgery was undertaken 5-months after adenotonsillectomy, during the surgery no pathology within sphenoid sinus was found.1313 Lim WK, Sdralis T Regression of a sphenochoanal polyp in a child. Laryngoscope. 2004;114:903–5.

Conclusions

A review showed that only 11 cases of sphenochoanal polyps in children have been described in the world literature in English.

Sphenochoanal polyps should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of unilateral nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses masses. Misdiagnosis can result in recurrences in patients with sphenochoanal polyp, who can be mistakenly diagnosed with antrochoanal polyp and underwent inadequate treatment not involving sphenoidotomy and exact identification of the site of implantation.

The symptoms of sphenochoanal polyps are nonspecific. Children most commonly present with nasal obstruction and discharge. Radiological imaging with CT scanning of paranasal sinuses is regarded as the gold standard in the diagnosis of isolated sphenoid sinus disease. When sphenoid opacification is present total eradication of the disease is mandatory. When the diagnosis is difficult or another pathology is considered, an MRI can be requested as a supplementary imaging modality. The endoscopic sinus surgery is now considered the “gold standard” – the first choice for primary treatment in children.

  • Funding
    This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
  • Ethical approval
    Not applicable – systematic review – ethical approval not required for the study.
  • Peer Review under the responsibility of Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-Facial.

References

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    Kumral TL, Yildirim G, Uyar Y Sphenochoanal polyps and the optic nerve. Clin Pract. 2012;2:10.
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    Özdek A, Erdem H. Unusual presentations of choanal polyps: report of 3 cases. Ear Nose Throat J. 2014;93:E10–3.
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    Mantilla E, Villamor P, De La Torre C, Álvarez-Neri H. Combined approach for paediatric recurrent antrochoanal polyp: a single-centre case series of 27 children. J Laryngol Otol. 2019;133:627–31.
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    Yuca K, Bayram Ï, Kiroǧlu AF, Etlik O, Cankaya H, Sakin F et al. Evaluation and treatment of antrochoanal polyps. J Otolaryngol. 2006;35:420–3.
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    Jadia S, Goyal R, Biswas R. Nasal mass mimicking antrochoanal polyp. BMJ Case Rep. 2010;2010.
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Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    20 Jan 2023
  • Date of issue
    Nov-Dec 2022

History

  • Received
    03 May 2021
  • Accepted
    25 Feb 2022
  • Published
    21 Mar 2022
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