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Septic thrombosis of the cavernous sinuses
1University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Department of Medicine, Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center, Camden 08103.
Archives of Neurology
|May 1, 1988
Summary
Cavernous sinus thrombosis, often from facial infections like Staphylococcus aureus, presents with eye swelling and movement issues. Prompt antibiotic treatment and possible surgery are crucial for recovery, though mortality remains significant.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) is a serious condition complicating infectious and noninfectious processes.
- Septic CST most frequently arises from middle facial infections, particularly Staphylococcus aureus.
- Common preceding infections include sinusitis, dental abscesses, and otitis media.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of cavernous sinus thrombosis.
- To highlight the diagnostic utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) over computed tomography (CT).
- To discuss treatment strategies and patient outcomes, including mortality rates.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical presentations and diagnostic findings associated with cavernous sinus thrombosis.
- Emphasis on characteristic signs such as fever, periorbital edema, chemosis, proptosis, and ophthalmoplegia.
- Discussion of diagnostic imaging modalities, prioritizing MRI.
Main Results:
- Fever is almost constant; headache may be absent. Ocular signs (edema, chemosis, proptosis, limited eye movement) are nearly universal.
- Contralateral eye involvement often occurs within two days of unilateral symptoms.
- MRI is considered the preferred diagnostic imaging modality.
Conclusions:
- Cavernous sinus thrombosis requires prompt diagnosis and management, including antibiotics and potential surgical intervention.
- Despite treatment, recovery is incomplete in over half of patients, with a substantial mortality rate of approximately 30%.