Etiology, Early Diagnosis and Proper Treatment of Silent Sinus Syndrome Based on Review of the Literature and Own Experience

Abstract

Purpose: The authors' aim was to review the literature in terms of the etiology of the syndrome, the frequency of Silent Sinus Syndrome (SSS) and surgical procedure, as well as to present their own experience.

Methods: The authors used PubMed, Medline, and Science Direct websites to find and review the most significant papers related to SSS. The case reports of SSS published between 2010 and 2020 were reviewed. A retrospective case review of 8 patients with SSS treated at the authors' departments was done.

Results: The silent sinus syndrome has been reported in both children and adults. It is relatively rare and should be differentiated from congenital sinus hypoplasia or atelectasis. It most often affects the maxillary sinus. SSS is usually diagnosed when facial asymmetry or vision problems occur. Late diagnosis requires endoscopic sinus surgery, involving orbital wall reconstruction. The etiology of the syndrome, including the role of bacterial flora found in the sinuses, is unclear.

Conclusion: Early diagnosis of SSS enables avoiding orbital complications and limits surgical intervention to endoscopic surgery. Further research into bacteriology may help to understand the pathophysiology of the silent sinus syndrome.