Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis and Blindness Complicating Dental Infection

A 32-year-old gentleman with underlying hypertension presented with left eye ptosis and diplopia for two weeks. He also complained of the left eye progressive blurring of vision. One week of left-sided toothache, headache, and fever preceded these symptoms. He visited a dental clinic for the toothache and was prescribed oral metronidazole before scheduling tooth extraction. However, the disease progressed with ocular symptoms. On examination, his visual acuity was 20/20 on the right and perception to light on the left. The left eye pupil was sluggish, and relative afferent pupillary reflex was positive. There was partial ptosis, mild proptosis, and ophthalmoplegia involving cranial nerve III, IV, and VI over the left. Hypoesthesia over the left V1 region was also present. Bilateral anterior and posterior segments were unremarkable. Blood investigations revealed an elevated total white cell count and C- reactive protein. Hence, an urgent computed tomography of the brain was requested and demonstrated left cavernous sinus thrombosis with diffuse thickening and enhancement extended anteriorly to the left orbital apex. He was admitted for intravenous ceftriaxone and subcutaneous enoxaparin. He was hemodynamically stable and allowed home with new direct anti-coagulants. He sustained the permanent sequelae of a left blind eye and residual cranial nerve palsies despite the treatment.