Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Complications of Rhinosinusitis

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
All Around the Nose

Abstract

Complications of sinusitis can be classified as local or systemic. Local complications are mostly due to the anatomical proximity of the sinuses to the surrounding structures. The orbit and the skull base are the most closely related structures to the paranasal sinuses as they share same bony margins. Complications generally occur when the infection spread to these areas due to anatomic proximity. Sinus infections can spread through the lamina papyracea. Ethmoidal sinuses are separated from the orbit by a thin bone layer called the lamina papyracea. Besides being thin, this lamina has congenital dehiscences and perforating vessels and nerves. Infections in ethmoidal sinuses can spread through the natural dehiscence of this layer into the orbit especially in children. The close neighborhood of the sinuses with the orbit is another way. The base of the frontal sinus forms the roof of the orbit. The frontal sinus may have bony dehiscences that form a route for the spread of the infections. Especially in adults infections of frontal sinuses can lead to orbital complications. Local complications of rhinosinusitis include mucocele, pre-septal cellulitis, orbital cellulitis, subperiosteal abscess, orbital abscess, osteomyelitis, meningitis, brain abscess, subdural empyema, and thrombosis of venous sinuses. They occur in approximately 5% of the patients who have been followed up for sinusitis. Complications of rhinosinusitis can be classified as orbital, intracranial or osseous.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 119.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 159.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Brook I, Friedman EM, Rodriguez WJ, et al. Complications of sinusitis in children. Pediatrics. 1980;66:568–72.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Clayman GL, Adams GL, Paugh DR, et al. Intracranial complications of paranasal sinusitis: a combined institutional review. Laryngoscope. 1991;101:234–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Brook I.Sinusitis understood. 2015. http://sinusitisunderstood.blogspot.com.tr/p/complications-and-referal.html. Accessed 24 Aug 2015.

  4. Bolger WE. Anatomy of the paranasal sinuses. In: Kennedy DW, Bolger WE, Zinreich J, editors. Diseases of the sinuses. Diagnosis and management. Hamilton, ON: B.C. Decker; 2001.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Thiagarajan B. Complications of sinusitis. 2015. http://otolaryngology.wdfiles.com/local%2D%2Dfiles/rhinology/sinusitis_comp.pdf. Accessed 24 Aug 2015.

  6. Fokkens W, Lund V, Bachert C, Clement P, Helllings P, Holmstrom M, et al. EP3OS. EAACI European position paper on rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps. http://www.eaaci.org/attachments/671_Rhinosinusitis%20and%20nasal%20Polyps%20%28complete%20doc%29.PDF. Accessed 24 Aug 2015.

  7. Younis RT, Lazar RH, Anand VK. Intracranial complications of sinusitis: a 15-year review of 39 cases. Ear Nose Throat J. 2002;81:636–44.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Bluestone CD, Steiner RE. Intracranial complications of acute frontal sinusitis. South Med J. 1965;58:1–10.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Tovi F, Benharroch D, Gatot A, Hertzanu Y. Osteoblastic osteitis of the maxillary sinus. Laryngoscope. 1992;102(4):426–30.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Eufinger H, Machtens E. Purulent pansinusitis, orbital cellulitis, and rhinogenic intracranial complications. J Craniomaxillofac Surg. 2001;29(2):111–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Rumelt S, Rubin PA. Potential sources for orbital cellulitis. Int Ophthalmol Clin. 1996;36(3):207–21.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Eustis HS, Mafee MF, Walton C, Mondonca J. MR imaging and CT of orbital infections and complications in acute rhinosinusitis. Radiol Clin N Am. 1998;36(6):1165–83.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Gordts F, Herzeel R. Orbital involvement in sinus pathology: often without ocular pain. Bull Soc Belge Ophtalmol. 2002;(285):9–14.

    Google Scholar 

  14. Wald ER. Sinusitis in children. N Engl J Med. 1992;326(5):319–23.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Josephson JS, Rosenberg SI. Sinusitis. Clin Symep. 1994;46(2):1–32.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Gamble RC. Acute inflammation of the orbit in children. Arch Ophthalmol. 1933;10:483–97.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Chandler JR, Langenbrunner DJ, Stevens ER. The pathogenesis of orbital complications in acute sinusitis. Laryngoscope. 1970;80:1414–28.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Dolan RW, Chowdhury K. Diagnosis and treatment of intracranial complications of paranasal sinus infection. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 1995;53:1080–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Yarington CT Jr. Cavernous sinus thrombosis revisited. Proc Royal Soc Med. 1977;70:456–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Lavania A, Sharma V, Reddy NS, Baksh R. Orbital cellulitis: a complication of sinusitis. Kathmandu Univ Med J. 2005;3(3):292–3.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Gungor A, Corey JP. Pediatric sinusitis: a literature review with emphasis on the role of allergy. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1997;116(1):4–15.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Dunham ME. New light on sinusitis. Contemp Pediatr. 1994;11(10):102–6. 108, 110 passim.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Berenholz L, Kessler A, Shlomkovitz N, Sarfati S, Segal S. Superior ophthalmic vein thrombosis: a complication of ethmoidal rhinosinusitis. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1998;124(1):95–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Sobol SE, Christodoulopoulos P, Manoukian JJ, Hauber HP, Frenkiel S, Desrosiers M, et al. Cytokine profile of chronic sinusitis in patients with cystic fibrosis. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2002;128(11):1295–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Mitchell R, Kelly J, Wagner J. Bilateral orbital complications of pediatric rhinosinusitis. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2002;128(8):971–4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Jones NS, Walker JL, Bassi S, Jones T, Punt J. The intracranial complications of rhinosinusitis: can they be prevented? Laryngoscope. 2002;112(1):59–63.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Oktedalen O, Lilleas F. Septic complications to sphenoidal sinus infection. Scand J Infect Dis. 1992;24:353–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Cannon ML, Antonio BL, McCloskey JJ, Hines MH, Tobin JR, Shetty AK. Cavernous sinus thrombosis complicating sinusitis. Pediatr Crit Care Med. 2004;5:86–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Patt BS, Manning SC. Blindness from orbital complications of sinusitis. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1991;104:789–95.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Gallagher RM, Gross CW, Phillips CD. Suppurative intracranial complications of sinusitis. Laryngoscope. 1998;108(11 Pt 1):1635–42.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Albu S, Tomescu E, Bassam S, Merca Z. Intracranial complications of sinusitis. Acta Otorhinolaryngol Belg. 2001;55(4):265–72.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Gungor A, Adusumilli V, Corey JP. Fungal sinusitis: progression of disease in immunosuppression—a case report. Ear Nose Throat J. 1998;77(3):207–10, 215.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Skouteris CA, Velegrakis G, Christodoulou P, Helidonis E. Infantile osteomyelitis of the maxilla with concomitant subperiosteal orbital abscess: a case report. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 1995;53(1):67–70.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Broberg T. Devastating complications of acute pediatric bacterial sinusitis. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1999;120:575–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Bhatia K, Jones NS. Septic cavernous sinus thrombosis secondary to sinusitis: are anticoagulants indicated? A review of the literature. J Laryngol Otol. 2002;116(9):667–76.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Harris GJ. Subperiosteal abscess of the orbit: age as a factor in the bacteriology and response to treatment. Ophthalmology. 1994;101:585–95.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Manolidis S, Kutz JW Jr. Diagnosis and management of lateral sinus thrombosis. Otol Neurotol. 2005;26:1045–51.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Baker AS. Role of anaerobic bacteria in sinusitis and its complications. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol Suppl. 1991;154:17–22.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Brook I, Frazier EH. Microbiology of subperiosteal orbital abscess and associated maxillary sinusitis. Laryngoscope. 1996;106:1010–3.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Osborn MK, Steinberg JP. Subdural empyema and other suppurative complications of paranasal sinusitis. Lancet Infect Dis. 2007;7:62–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Maniglia AJ, Kronberg FG, Culbertson W. Visual loss associated with orbital and sinus disease. Laryngoscope. 1984;94:1050–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Brook I. Brain abscess in children: microbiology and management. J Child Neurol. 1995;10:283–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Ziai WC, Lewin JJ III. Update in the diagnosis and management of central nervous system infections. Neurol Clin. 2008;26:427–68.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Kuczkowski J, Narozny W, Mikaszewski B, Stankiewicz C. Suppurative complications of frontal sinusitis in children. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2005;44:675–82.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  45. Fokkens W, Lund V, Mullol J. EP3OS: European position on rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps 2007. Rhinology. 2007;Supplement 20:1–139.

    Google Scholar 

  46. Weinman D, Samarasinghe HHE. Subdural empyema. Aust N Z J Surg. 1972;41:324–30.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Glickstein JS, Chandra RK, Thompson JW. Intracranial complications of pediatric sinusitis. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2006;134:733–6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Carpenter J, Stapleton S, Holliman R. Retrospective analysis of 49 cases of brain abscess and review of the literature. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 2007;26:1–11.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Clayman GL, Adams GL, Paugh DR, Koopmann CF Jr. Intracranial complications of paranasal sinusitis: a combined institutional review. Laryngoscope. 1991;101(3):234–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Boom WH, Tauazon CU. Successful treatment of multiple brain abscess with antibiotic alone. Rev Infect Dis. 1985;7:189–99.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  51. Lu CH, Chang WN, Lui CC. Strategies for the management of bacterial brain abscess. J Clin Neurosci. 2006;13:979–85.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Barling RWA, Selkon JB. Strategies for the management of bacterial brain abscess. The penetration of antibiotics into the cerebrospinal fluid and brain tissue. J Antimicrob Chemother. 1978;4:203–27.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  53. Brook I. Antimicrobial treatment of anaerobic infections. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2011;12:1691–707.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  54. Powell JP, Wenzel RP. Antibiotic options for treating community-acquired MRSA. Expert Rev Anti-Infect Ther. 2008;6:299–307.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Ogunleye AO, Nwaorgu OG, Lasisi AO. Complications of sinusitis in Ibadan, Nigeria. West Afr J Med. 2001;20(2):98–101.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  56. Lang EE, Curran AJ, Patil N, Walsh RM, Rawluk D, Walsh MA. Intracranial complications of acute frontal sinusitis. Clin Otolaryngol. 2001;26(6):452–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medical Faculty, Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, Zonguldak, Turkey

    Duygu Erdem

  2. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medical Faculty, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey

    Mitat Arıcıgil

  3. ENT Surgeons Medical Centre, Singapore, Singapore

    Dennis Chua

Authors
  1. Duygu Erdem
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Mitat Arıcıgil
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Dennis Chua
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Medical Faculty, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eskisehir, Turkey

    Cemal Cingi

  2. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medical Faculty, Kirikkale University, Kirikkale, Turkey

    Nuray Bayar Muluk

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2020 Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Erdem, D., Arıcıgil, M., Chua, D. (2020). Complications of Rhinosinusitis. In: Cingi, C., Bayar Muluk, N. (eds) All Around the Nose. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-21217-9_26

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-21217-9_26

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-21216-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-21217-9

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation