In a remarkable case of medical precision, a 76-year-old woman was saved from the brink of blindness by doctors at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road. What first appeared to be a stroke or nerve palsy turned out to be something far more unusual — a sphenoid sinus mucocele, a rare condition that accounts for less than two percent of sinus diseases worldwide.
The patient had arrived at the hospital with sudden drooping of her left eyelid and a heavy sensation in her head. While such symptoms often point to neurological issues, detailed MRI and CT scans revealed that a mucus-filled cyst had developed in the sphenoid sinus, a deep-seated cavity at the skull base.
The growth was pressing dangerously on the optic nerves and the cavernous sinus, structures critical for vision and brain function. “If left untreated, sphenoid mucoceles can cause irreversible vision loss or even serious brain complications,” said Dr. Chandraveer Singh, Consultant Otorhinolaryngologist, Head & Neck Oncosurgeon at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road who led the procedure.
To treat the condition, Dr. Chandraveer Singh and his team carried out a minimally invasive endoscopic trans nasal surgery. By approaching through the nasal passage, the surgeons avoided external cuts and reduced the risks typically associated with open surgery. The mucocele was drained successfully, and within just 24 hours, the patient began regaining strength in her eye. She was discharged in stable condition three days later. Cases such as this are exceptional not only because of the rarity of sphenoid sinus mucoceles but also due to the complexity of their location. The sphenoid sinus lies close to vital structures such as the optic nerves, carotid arteries, and cavernous sinus, which means that even a benign cyst can suddenly become life-threatening. Globally, only a handful of cases involving cavernous sinus compression have ever been reported.
Reflecting on the case, Dr. Chandraveer Singh stressed the importance of awareness and timely diagnosis. “Sinus problems are often dismissed as minor, but when a mucocele forms in the sphenoid sinus, it can silently threaten both vision and brain health. Persistent headaches, sudden eyelid drooping, or unexplained neurological symptoms should always be evaluated without delay. The encouraging part is that with advanced endoscopic techniques, these conditions can be treated both effectively and safely.”
This successful intervention underscores the importance of combining modern surgical expertise with timely diagnosis, offering hope to patients facing rare and potentially devastating conditions.