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Papilloedema secondary to acute purulent sinusitis
R Kishore Kumar1, M H Ghali1, F Dragojevic1
1Department of Paediatrics and Child Health,,Department of ENT, University of Tasmania, North-west Regional Hospital, Burnie, and,Strahan Medical Centre, Strahan, Tasmania, Australia.
Intracranial complications from sinusitis are rare in children. This study highlights two cases of papilledema, a rare complication of purulent sinusitis, in children, emphasizing atypical presentations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Sinusitis and upper respiratory tract infections are common pediatric conditions.
- Intracranial complications of sinusitis are rare and often present subtly in children.
- Papilledema as a complication of purulent sinusitis has not been previously reported.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report two cases of atypical sinusitis manifestations in children.
- To highlight the rare complication of papilledema secondary to purulent sinusitis.
- To increase awareness of unusual presentations of sinusitis in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Case report of two pediatric patients presenting with sinusitis.
- Clinical evaluation including neurological and ophthalmological examinations.
- Review of relevant medical literature.
Main Results:
- Two children presented with purulent sinusitis and developed papilledema.
- The papilledema was secondary to the purulent sinusitis, an unreported complication.
- Clinical presentation was atypical for sinusitis complications.
Conclusions:
- Papilledema can be a rare, atypical manifestation of purulent sinusitis in children.
- Clinicians should consider sinusitis in the differential diagnosis of pediatric papilledema.
- Early recognition and management of sinusitis may prevent severe complications.
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