Orbito-Cranial Gunshot Injuries with Retained Sinonasal Bullets

INTRODUCTION: Gunshot injuries to the sino-orbital region are rare. In South Africa, where gunshot injuries are common, sino-orbital gunshot injuries are encountered. Sino-orbital gunshot injuries are associated with trauma to surrounding facial and intracranial structures. Therefore, the management of these injuries may be complex and often requires an interdisciplinary approach. AIMS: To review the management of orbito-cranial gunshot injuries with retained sinonasal bullets. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three cases of orbito-cranial gunshot injuries with retained sinonasal bullets were reviewed. Two cases were complicated by cerebrospinal fluid leaks with ensuing meningitis. The retained bullets in all three cases were successfully removed via a transnasal endoscopic approach. CONCLUSION: Sino-orbital gunshot injuries are rare, but may be encountered in areas with high frequencies of gun violence. An associated anterior skull base fracture with CSF rhinorrhoea poses a risk for meningitis and a low threshold for diagnosis and treatment of meningitis should be maintained. Retained bullets in the paranasal sinuses do not pose an immediate risk and may be removed on an elective basis.