Ethmoidal mucocoeles in children

Children presenting with ethmoidal mucocoeles are rare. Five children are presented with such findings, and the diagnosis, treatment and possible aetiology discussed. C. T. scanning was found to be the investigation of choice, while plain sinus X-rays correlated poorly with the presence of disease. Exenteration through an external approach was found to be satisfactory. In two cases drainage obstruction due to congenital abnormality was thought to be the underlying cause, while in four cases there was a strong history of atopy, indicating allergy as a possible reason for mucocoele formation.