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.

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