Abstract
Tolosa-Hunt syndrome (THS) is a rare disorder indicated by recurrent painful ophthalmoplegia caused by non-specific inflammation of the cavernous sinus or superior orbital fissure (SOF). The disease shares histopathological features with idiopathic orbital pseudotumour; however, owing to its anatomical location, it produces characteristic clinical manifestations.1 Recurrent retro-orbital pain, with palsies of the third, fourth or sixth cranial nerves as well as the first and second divisions of the trigeminal nerve, are typical. Clinically, immediate response to steroid therapy is a hallmark of the condition. The clinical presentation of THS has a wide differential diagnosis, and timely and appropriate imaging – as an adjunct to pertinent laboratory investigations – can greatly assist clinicians with early accurate diagnosis and management.
Highlights
Tolosa-Hunt syndrome (THS) is a rare disorder indicated by recurrent painful ophthalmoplegia caused by non-specific inflammation of the cavernous sinus or superior orbital fissure (SOF)
Our patient was a 17-year-old girl who presented with a 2-week history of a sharp peri-ocular headache and drooping of the left eyelid
The patient was treated with oral steroids and showed significant relief of symptoms over the following 48 hours
Summary
Ben Barnard, MB ChB Delme Hurter, MB ChB, MMed (D Rad) Department of Radiology, Kimberley Hospital Complex, Kimberley Francois Roux, MB ChB, DA (SA) Tygerberg Academic Hospital, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg Shaheer Aboobaker, MB ChB, Dip Opth (SA) Department of Ophthalmology, Kimberley Hospital Complex, Kimberley
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