Cavernous sinus syndrome caused by rhabdomyosarcoma

A 16-year-old boy was found to have a cavernous sinus syndrome secondary to rhabdomyosarcoma originating in the masseter muscle. Radiologic studies showed evidence of dissemination to the cavernous sinus without involvement of the skull base or its foramina. Despite aggressive therapy with transient improvement of his ocular palsy, the patient died within 16 months after the onset of his illness. Neuro-ophthalmic complications often develop as a result of direct extension from rhabdomyosarcoma originating in the head and neck region. However, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a cavernous sinus syndrome caused by metastasis from rhabdomyosarcoma.