Introduction: Silent sinus syndrome (SSS) is rare clinical entity described in ophthalmology and otolaryngology literature. It is characterized by spontaneous and progressive enophthalmos and hypoglobus caused by maxillary collapse in the setting of chronic maxillary sinus hypoventilation. The authors report an unusual case of SSS in child.
Material and methods: A 15 year old boy presented with 6 months history of developing of right cheek deformity with no clinically signs and symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis. According to nasal endoscopy and CT and NMR scans the silent sinus syndrome was recognized. What is the most important, the deformity of anterior maxillary wall was the main problem and complaint. The patient underwent surgical endoscopic uncinectomy with medial antrostomy.
Results: The performed treatment successfully corrected both the cheek and the upper eyelid sulcus deformity. The control CT scans performed 3 months after surgery showed normal sinus ventilation with wide medial antrostomy.
Conclusions: Silent sinus syndrome in a child is characterized by more active resorption and remodeling of anterior maxillary wall with clinically visible deformity. The goal of the treatment is restoration of normal maxillary sinus aeration and this guaranty further normal sinus development.