Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026
09:53
Role of Diffusion MRI Tractography in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery
Published on: July 5, 2021
[Intracranial complications of sinusitis]
Salima Kharrat1, Samia Sahtout, Rim Zainine
1Universite Tunis, El Manar, Tunisie.
La Tunisie Medicale
|June 18, 2011
Summary
Intracranial complications of sinusitis require prompt diagnosis and treatment. Early intervention with antibiotics and surgery can lead to successful outcomes for sinusitis complications.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Otolaryngology
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Intracranial complications of sinusitis present significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
- Sinusitis can lead to severe neurological sequelae if left untreated.
Purpose:
- To investigate the clinical features and management strategies for intracranial complications arising from sinusitis.
- To emphasize the critical nature and potential severity of these complications.
Summary:
- A retrospective study of 7 patients (3 males, 4 females; mean age 24) with intracranial complications secondary to sinusitis.
- Neurological signs were predominant; diagnosis was confirmed via CT scan and lumbar puncture.
- Common complications included empyema (5 cases) and meningitis (2 cases); treatment involved antibiotics and surgery, with 3 cases requiring neurosurgical intervention.
Impact:
- Highlights the necessity of considering intracranial sinusitis complications in patients with symptoms like febrile headache or facial edema.
- Underscores the importance of early diagnosis using CT scans and prompt, aggressive treatment to prevent long-term sequelae.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction
Intracranial hypertension is a sustained elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) above 22 mm Hg. In supine adults, normal ICP is ~7–15 mm Hg.The rigid, nonexpandable cranium contains three components—brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—that total ~1,700 mL in a typical adult: 1,400 mL brain (~80%), 150 mL blood (~10%), and 150 mL CSF (~10%). According to the Monro–Kellie doctrine, total intracranial volume is effectively fixed. When one component expands, CSF and venous blood...
01:29Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology
Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins with...
01:26Brain Abscess l: Introduction
A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
01:26Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology
Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
01:22Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
01:22Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology
Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...