Objectives: To report a rare presentation of dehiscent infraorbital canal associated with a maxillary antral cyst.
Case report: A 26-year-old woman presented with symptoms of right infraorbital nerve dysfunction experienced while travelling by aeroplane. She was subsequently diagnosed with dehiscent infraorbital canal and large maxillary antral cyst on computed tomography scanning. The cyst was removed by endoscopic sinus surgery, and the patient's symptoms resolved.
Discussion: The effects of barotrauma on the ears and paranasal sinuses are reviewed. This is the first report of infraorbital nerve dysfunction caused by altered atmospheric pressure in the presence of dehiscent infraorbital canal and maxillary antral cyst. Endoscopic sinus surgery was successful in relieving the symptoms in this case.