Cavernous sinus thrombosis: a report of eight consecutive comatose patients

Septic thrombosis of the cavernous sinus is a severe and lethal condition if left untreated. The mortality is particularly high in those patients admitted in a comatose state. Eight patients treated successfully in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe in Mpilo Central Hospital over a period of three years are reported. In the discussion, emphasis is placed on the treatment of raised intracranial pressure in this particular group of patients and early treatment with appropriate antibiotics. Clinicians must be aware of this serious complication of infections around the face and must treat them early and aggressively.