Impacted Bullet in the Sphenoid Sinus: A Case Report

Abstract

A bullet encountered as a foreign body in the sphenoid sinus is a rare occurrence. We report a case of a bullet impacted in the sphenoid sinus following a firing assault from point blank range. The bullet was safely removed with the assistance of an endoscope preserving the structures around the sphenoid sinus. Adequate knowledge of the anatomical variations with regard to the sphenoid sinus is essential to ensure safe removal of foreign bodies, thereby avoiding catastrophic complications. We believe that endoscopic foreign body removal should be advocated more often, rather than open approaches, for foreign bodies impacted beyond the sphenoid sinus involving the anterior skull base.