Baughman Steven M, Brennan Joseph
Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland AFB, TX 78236-5300, USA.
Aviat Space Environ Med. 2002 Nov;73(11):1127-31.
Sinus barotrauma, secondary to mucosal disturbances, is a common finding within the aviation community. Multiple etiologies have all led to mucosal inflammation and thickening with potential obstruction of the sinus osteomeatal complex, especially during the barometric changes of flight. Obstruction can, therefore, lead to problems with sinus pressure equilibration with atmospheric pressure, and can lead to barosinusitis. We present a case of a U.S. Air Force Command Pilot with acute left sinus barotrauma during descent while flying a T-37 aircraft, along with a brief review of the pathophysiologic processes involved during barotrauma. An inflammatory polyp within his sinus was identified by plain radiography, confirmed with computed tomography, and subsequently excised. The patient had complete resolution and clearance to fly after an uneventful 4-wk convalescence and altitude chamber flight. This is the first case of sinus barotrauma secondary to an inflammatory maxillary sinus polyp, confirmed by histologic diagnosis, reported in the aeromedical literature.
鼻窦气压伤继发于黏膜紊乱，是航空领域常见的病症。多种病因均可导致黏膜炎症和增厚，并可能阻塞鼻窦骨窦复合体，尤其是在飞行过程中的气压变化时。因此，阻塞会导致鼻窦压力与大气压平衡出现问题，并可能引发气压性鼻窦炎。我们报告一例美国空军指挥飞行员在驾驶T - 37飞机下降过程中发生急性左鼻窦气压伤的病例，并简要回顾气压伤期间涉及的病理生理过程。通过X线平片在其鼻窦内发现一个炎性息肉，经计算机断层扫描确认，随后切除。患者经过4周平稳的康复期和高空舱飞行后，完全康复并获得飞行许可。这是航空医学文献中首例经组织学诊断证实的继发于炎性上颌窦息肉的鼻窦气压伤病例。
