Bilateral silent sinus syndrome: A rare case and review of literature

OBJECTIVE: In this report, we presented a rare case of bilateral silent sinus syndrome (SSS) in an otherwise healthy 57-year-old man treated with functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). A systematic review of the literature regarding bilateral SSS was performed. CASE REPORT: A 57-year-old man with well-controlled allergic rhinitis in the absence of previous surgery or trauma presented with bilateral SSS, which was successfully managed with bilateral FESS. METHODS: A medical literature data base search of the terms “silent sinus syndrome” “maxillary atelectasis,” “imploding antrum syndrome,” and “bilateral silent sinus syndrome” was performed. The results were then narrowed to include only relevant articles. RESULTS: Relevant articles included three case reports and two articles that describe or mention bilateral SSS. Of the three case reports found, two patients presented with bilateral SSS, whereas the third patient presented metachronously, with the contralateral SSS manifesting 4 months after presentation of the initial ipsilateral SSS. CONCLUSION: The present literature regarding bilateral SSS is likely incomplete, and further investigation is required to provide greater insight into the prevalence of this disease. In this report, bilateral FESS was successful in resolving symptoms and preventing disease progression.