Cholesterol Granuloma as a Late Complication of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Abstract

Introduction: To date there are five reports referring to cholesterol granuloma of the sphenoid sinus. This is the first case where cholesterol granuloma is presented as a late complication after successful removal of a mucocele through functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and associated with convergence insufficiency. Case Report: A 67-year-old carpenter presented with binocular diplopia and frontal headache. A mucocele of the left sphenoid sinus was removed endoscopically leading to the resolution of his symptoms. Eight months later he presented with similar symptoms and findings. Following a revision FESS, cholesterol granuloma was diagnosed. Discussion: Haemorrhage within the sphenoid sinus, obstruction in the sinus ostium and fibrous tissue formation may explain the postoperative formation of cholesterol granuloma. Convergence insufficiency could be attributed to mechanical failure or denervation of eye muscles. Conclusion: Cholesterol granuloma should be included in the differential diagnosis, when recurrence of a sphenoid sinus mucocele is suspected.