Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026

A Thrombotic Stroke Model Based On Transient Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia
Published on: August 18, 2015
Complicated acute frontal sinusitis in a child presenting with acute ischemic stroke
Wesley L Davison1, David A Gudis1
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Harkness Pavilion, 180 Ft. Washington Ave, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
Insights
Acute stroke is a rare complication of sinusitis, especially in children. This case report details a 9-year-old boy who recovered fully after treatment for acute stroke and severe pansinusitis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses.
- Acute stroke is a sudden interruption of blood flow to the brain.
- Stroke as a complication of sinusitis is rare, particularly in pediatric cases.
Observation:
- A healthy 9-year-old male presented with acute stroke.
- The patient had severe acute pansinusitis.
- Previous cases of sinusitis-related stroke involved carotid artery pathology.
Findings:
- This is the first reported case of acute sinusitis presenting as stroke with normal arterial anatomy and function.
- The patient received parenteral antibiotics, endoscopic sinus surgery, and adenoidectomy.
- The patient achieved a full neurologic recovery.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of stroke complications associated with sinusitis.
- It highlights the importance of considering sinusitis in pediatric stroke evaluations.
- Prompt medical and surgical intervention can lead to favorable outcomes in rare sinusitis-induced stroke cases.
Abstract:
Acute stroke as a complication of sinusitis is exceedingly rare, and even more so in children. Here we present the case of a healthy 9-year-old male who had an acute stroke in the setting of severe acute pansinusitis. The patient was started on parenteral antibiotics and underwent urgent endoscopic sinus surgery and adenoidectomy, ultimately making a full neurologic recovery. Of the previously reported cases of stroke as a complication of sinusitis, all showed evidence of carotid artery pathology. This is the first report to our knowledge of acute sinusitis presenting as stroke with normal arterial anatomy and function.
Related Concept Videos
Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology
Brain Abscess l: Introduction

