PATTERNS AND PREVALENCE OF MUCOCELES AMONG PATIENTS REFERRED FOR CRANIO-FACIAL COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IN PORT HARCOURT METROPOLIS.

Abstract

Background: Mucocele is rare benign, expansile pseudocystic pathology of the nasal and paranasal sinuses. This study aimed at evaluating the patterns and prevalence of mucoceles among patients referred for cranio-facial computed tomography in Port Harcourt metropolis. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective review of all the radiological reports of patients that underwent cranio-facial CT scan(n =1,443) between January, 2014 and August, 2017 using data capture sheet. The prevalence, and demographic variables were evaluated. The obtained data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Out of the 1,443 subject records included in this study, only 2.6% (n = 38) had mucocele. The highest percent of mucocele was seen among subjects of age group 16-30years 1.11% (n = 16) followed by 31-45 years 0.77% (n = 11). Males had the highest percentage of mucocele 1.5% (n = 22) when compared to the female population 1.1% (n = 16).Nasal obstruction was the highest presenting symptom 32.69% (n = 17) and the least was toothache 1.92% (n = 1). Paranasal sinuses was highly involved 65.43% (n = 53) and the least was nasal involvement 12.35% (n = 10). Frontal sinus was the most common affected sinus 23.46% (n = 19) and the least was sphenoid sinus 6.17% (n = 5). Conclusion:  The incidence of mucocele pathology was quite low in Port Harcourt. Young adults were more commonly affected by mucocele pathology with male preponderance. Frontal sinuses were the most affected paranasal sinus in this study.