Silent Sinus Syndrome
Silent Sinus Syndrome is a rare disease that initially does not cause any obvious complaints, but over time can cause structural changes in the facial bones and around the eyes. This condition may also be referred to by different terms in the medical literature: Silent Maxillary Sinus Collapse , Asymptomatic Sinus Collapse Syndrome or Negative Pressure Maxillary Sinus Syndrome . All of these names refer to the same basic problem, namely the collapse of the maxillary sinus (the air space within the upper jaw bone) over time and its effects on the surrounding tissues.
Why is this syndrome “Silent”?
The disease, as its name suggests, progresses silently for a long time. Most of the symptoms seen in classic sinus diseases, such as infection, pain or nasal congestion, are not seen in this syndrome. The negative pressure that develops as a result of the air in the sinus not being able to be expelled naturally causes the sinus cavity to collapse inward. This condition is usually unilateral and causes the anatomical boundaries between the sinus and the eyeball to change.
What are the symptoms?
- Inward collapse of the eye ( enophthalmos )
- Drooping or sagging eyelids ( hypoglobus )
- A feeling of squinting in the eyes, double vision
- Noticeable change in facial symmetry
- Rarely, a runny nose or headache
Most patients learn about this condition when they see a doctor with an aesthetic or visual complaint. That is why it is called “silent” because the pathological process in the sinus progresses unnoticed.
Diagnosis and Imaging
Diagnosis is usually made by a sinus CT (computed tomography) examination. The imaging shows that the maxillary sinus is shrunken, collapsed inward, and the sinus contents appear opaque. A drooping orbit (eye socket) floor is also a common finding.
Treatment Options
Endoscopic sinus surgery is the basis of treatment. The goal is to eliminate negative pressure inside the sinus by reopening the natural drainage pathway. In some patients, if structures around the eye are also affected, additional surgical procedures such as orbital floor reconstruction may be considered.
Conclusion
Silent Sinus Syndrome , although a rare condition, can have serious consequences that can affect facial aesthetics and visual functions. Increasing awareness about this syndrome, which can be diagnosed and treated, allows patients to seek health services at an earlier stage.
