Abstract

Aim: Acute frontal sinusitis can present with serious complications and is currently treated by a variety of health care providers. This article reviews presentation and potential predictive factors in the management of frontal sinusitis

Methods: Cases of acute frontal sinusitis presenting to a hospital department were identified in a retrospective review over 6 years.

Results: Forty-six cases were identified of which 80% required an operative procedure to aid symptom resolution. Eighteen patients presented with complications, 15 orbital and 3 frontal soft tissue abscesses. Past medical history or the severity of the rhinosinusitis using Lund-Mackay scoring did not correlate with operative management in uncomplicated frontal sinusitis.

Conclusion: Hospital presentation with acute frontal sinusitis is associated with a 39% complication rate. Simple drainage procedures are effective in the majority of cases. In uncomplicated acute frontal sinusitis CT staging does not predict if operative intervention will be required.