Meningioma of the Maxillary Sinus

Extracranial meningiomas are described as being relatively rare, with the majority arising from the meningeal layers of the optic nerve in the orbit.¹ A review of the English literature revealed reports of lesions occurring in the frontal and posterior ethmoid sinuses, but most likely as local extensions from an intracranial source. There has been 1 case only reported of primary meningioma occurring in the maxillary sinus.¹

Report of a Case

In July, 1961, a 53-year-old white male factory worker consulted the Rhode Island Hospital Ophthalmology Clinic with a 2 year history of progressive, painless obstruction of the right nostril and an 8 month painless, nonpulsatile, outward and upward protrusion of the right eye combined with constant lacrimation. There had been no weight loss, epistaxis, or headache. He noted only occasional episodes of diplopia, but did admit to some recent blurring of vision. Examination revealed proptosis with a visual