Abstract
ObjectiveTo report a rare case of unilateral cavernous sinus thrombosis caused by contralateral sphenoid sinusitis.Case reportA 33-year-old female visited our hospital for severe, right-sided, temporal headache, chemosis, periorbital edema, and proptosis. These signs were associated with congested erythematous nasal mucosa with purulent discharge from the right superior nasal meatus. Contrast enhanced CT showed dilated left superior ophthalmic vein, suggestive of thrombosis, contrast enhancement of the left cavernous sinuses, and dilation of cavernous sinus, indicating cavernous sinus inflammation. The right maxillary, ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses showed mucosal thickening and retention of purulent material. She was diagnosed with cavernous sinus thrombosis caused by contralateral sphenoid sinusitis. All clinical symptoms and signs improved after endoscopic sphenoidotomy and appropriate medical treatment.ConclusionsSphenoiditis can cause contralateral cavernous sinus thrombosis. Early surgical sphenoidotomy and aggressive medical treatment are the cornerstones of successful management of this life-threatening complication.
Highlights
Cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) is a rare infective disease [1]
The resultant delays in instituting appropriate medical and surgical treatments for sphenoid sinusitis may explain why CST caused by this primary infection appears to have a poorer prognosis than CST caused by other etiologies [4,5,8,9]
The diagnosis of CST remains difficult despite available imaging techniques
Summary
The diagnosis of CST remains difficult despite available imaging techniques. Sphenoid sinusitis is an uncommon etiology and missed on initial evaluation and CST can occur by spread of contralateral sphenoid sinusitis. With regard to suspicion of CST based on clinical findings, otolaryngologist should regard ipsilateral infection and contralateral paranasal sinus infection. Competing interests The authors declare that they have no competing interests. FM: surgery performed and documented the case. MK: exams performed the analysis of the image. All authors read and approved the final manuscript
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
