Sphenochoanal polyps in children — a systematic review (1995‒2021)

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.