Myriad of Otorhinolaryngology Diseases Presenting as Unilateral Proptosis

Ab s t r Ac t Aim and objective: To describe the evaluation and management of multiple cases of unilateral proptosis due to various sinonasal pathologies. Materials and methods: Patients presenting to ENT OPD with unilateral proptosis were evaluated, diagnosed, and treated in this prospective study done over 2 years. All cases underwent complete otorhinolaryngological and ophthalmic examination apart from the endoscopic and radiological examination. Proptosis was measured by Hertel’s exophthalmometry and readings above 21 mm or a difference of more than 3 mm between the two eyes were taken as positive. The cases were managed with appropriate surgery along with required medical management. Results: Twelve cases were observed over 2 years. The mean age of patients was 48.08 ± 13.02 years. Male:female ratio was 5:1. The most common cause was maxillary carcinoma with an orbital extension (four cases). Surgery was a mainstay of treatment in all patients, along with required medical treatment. Conclusion: A good work up and with surgical management resulted in good recovery of the patients with only one mortality. Sinonasal infections accounted for 25% of cases, benign neoplasms and tumor-like conditions 33%, and the rest 42% were constituted by malignant conditions. Clinical significance: Assessment of proptosis in otorhinolaryngology is of paramount importance as it can be an early and/or only manifestation of nasal or paranasal sinus pathology. Although the incidence of proptosis in everyday ENT practice is exceedingly low, the knowledge of the important causes helps in clinching the correct diagnosis and timely management.