Acute bilateral ophthalmoplegia secondary to cavernous sinus metastasis: a case report

A case of a 60-year-old man with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the colon who developed bilateral ophthalmoplegia acutely is presented. Bilateral cavernous sinus metastasis was suggested by magnetic resonance imaging and proven by endoscopic sphenoidal biopsy. The patient was treated with radiotherapy (2000 cGy) with near resolution of his symptoms. This patient represents the first reported case of acute bilateral ophthalmoplegia resulting from hematogenous metastasis to both cavernous sinuses, diagnosed antemortem. A review of the more common causes of acute bilateral ophthalmoplegia is presented.