Hydrocephalus in Achondroplasia Patients

Achondroplasia is the cause of the most common type of dwarfism and is characterized by abnormally short stature with short arms and legs as well as an enlarged head. It is suggested that hydrocephalus in patients is related to stenosis of the sigmoid sinus. This results in a rise in intracranial venous pressure. The increased venous pressure impairs the absorption of cerebrospinal fluid. The build up of CSF in the brain results in hydrocephalus. This can be seen on MR venography.

Chronic Sinusitis

Chronic Sinusitis is defined as a sinus infection lasting longer than six to eight weeks. An infection lasting less than six to eight weeks is considered acute.

The factors involved in Chronic Sinusitis are:
Structural Obstructions
Allergies
Fungal Infections
Deviated Septum
Nasal Polyposis

The common symptoms of Chronic Sinusitis are:
Sinus Pressure
Pain with Nasal Drainage
Nasal Obstruction
Congestion
Headaches

Patients are clinically evaluated for their symptoms for diagnosis. Along with a clinical evaluation a CT of the sinuses, nasal endoscopic and rhinoscopic evaluations are used to diagnose Chronic Sinusitis. When diagnosing Chronic Sinusitis with a CT exam, the clinician is looking at the osteomeatal complex, which is the area where all of the sinuses drain into the nasal cavity. An obstruction in this area is a souce of recurrent and chronic sinus issues. Abnormal scans will show sinuses filled with fluid or thickened mucous membranes.

Treatments of Chronic Sinusitis include:
Nasal Rinses with Antibiotics
Nasal Steroid Sprays
Oral Steroids
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

With the endoscopic sinus surgery the abnormal obstructive tissues are removed. Sometimes a sinus shaver is used which precisely removes redundant mucosa and thin bones causing obstructions.

Patients outlook after surgery most patients experience easier nasal breathing, a reduced number and frequency of sinus issues, and sinus related headaches improves.

These images came from facialbeauty.com and demonstrate coronal CT images before and after sinus surgery.