High risk and low prevalence diseases: Cavernous sinus thrombosis.

INTRODUCTION: Cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) is a serious condition that carries with it a high rate of morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: This review highlights the pearls and pitfalls of CST, including presentation, diagnosis, and management in the emergency department (ED) based on current evidence. DISCUSSION: CST is a potentially deadly thrombophlebitic disease involving the cavernous sinuses. The most common underlying etiology is sinusitis or other facial infection several days prior to development of CST, though other causes include maxillofacial trauma or surgery, thrombophilia, dehydration, or medications. Staphylococcus aureus, streptococcal species, oral anaerobic species, and gram-negative bacilli are the most frequent bacterial etiologies. The most prevalent presenting signs and symptoms are fever, headache, and ocular manifestations (chemosis, periorbital edema, ptosis, ophthalmoplegia, vision changes). Cranial nerve (CN) VI is the most commonly affected CN, resulting in lateral rectus palsy. Other CNs that may be affected include III, IV, and V. The disease may also affect the pulmonary and central nervous systems. Laboratory testing typically reveals elevated inflammatory markers, and blood cultures are positive in up to 70% of cases. Computed tomography of the head and orbits with intravenous contrast delayed phase imaging is recommended in the ED setting, though magnetic resonance venography demonstrates the highest sensitivity. Management includes resuscitation, antibiotics, and anticoagulation with specialist consultation. CONCLUSION: An understanding of CST can assist emergency clinicians in diagnosing and managing this potentially deadly disease.

Cavernous sinus thrombosis with bilateral orbital vein involvement and diffuse ischemic retinopathy / Trombose do seio cavernoso com envolvimento bilateral das veias orbitais e retinopatia isquêmica difusa

ABSTRACT A 53-year-old man with a 3-day history of periorbital swelling and vision loss in the left eye was found to have septic cavernous sinus thrombosis with bilateral orbital vein involvement causing congestive orbitopathy. He was treated with an emergent canthotomy and cantholysis, intraocular pressure-lowering drops, antibiotics, anticoagulation, and serial examinations. Optical coherence tomography ultimately revealed diffuse ischemic destruction of both layers of the retina, which suggested occlusion of the ophthalmic artery or the short posterior ciliary arteries and central retinal artery without intracavernous internal carotid artery involvement. The patient remained without light perception in the left eye after treatment.

RESUMO Um homem de 53 anos, com história de 3 dias de edema periorbital e perda de visão no olho esquerdo, apresentou trombose séptica do seio cavernoso com envolvimento bilateral das veias orbitais, causando uma orbitopatia congestiva. O paciente foi tratado com uma cantotomia e cantólise de emergência, colírios para redução da pressão intraocular, antibióticos, anticoagulantes e exames seriados. A tomografia de coerência óptica finalmente demonstrou destruição isquêmica difusa de ambas as camadas da retina, sugerindo uma oclusão da artéria oftálmica ou das artérias ciliares posteriores curtas e da artéria retiniana central, com ausência de envolvimento do segmento intracavernoso da artéria carótida interna. O paciente permaneceu sem percepção luminosa no olho esquerdo.

Superior ophthalmic vein and cavernous sinus thrombosis associated with COVID-19: a case report / Trombose de veia oftálmica superior e seio cavernoso associada à COVID-19: relato de caso

ABSTRACT Cavernous sinus and superior ophthalmic vein thrombosis is a rare clinical condition, and little described in the literature. The clinical presentation is nonspecific and highly variable, and symptoms may include red eye, ophthalmoplegia, coma, and death. The main etiology results from infection of the paranasal sinuses. The final diagnosis must be made through imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging. We describe a case of cavernous sinus and superior ophthalmic vein thrombosis after COVID-19 infection in a 64-year-old patient with persistent ocular hyperemia and pain on eye movement. Ophthalmological examination showed preserved visual acuity, conjunctival hyperemia, dilation of episcleral vessels and retinal vascular tortuosity in the right eye. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the diagnosis. The association with the COVID-19 was raised, excluding other infectious causes. Enoxaparin and Warfarin were started with significant improvement in the ocular clinical presentation and maintenance of initial visual acuity after 12 months of follow-up.

RESUMO A trombose de seio cavernoso e veia oftálmica superior é uma condição clínica rara e pouco descrita na literatura. A apresentação clínica é inespecífica e altamente variável. Os sintomas podem incluir olho vermelho, oftalmoplegia, coma e morte. A etiologia principal resulta da infecção dos seios paranasais. O diagnóstico final deve ser efetuado por meio de exames de imagem, como ressonância magnética. Descrevemos um caso de trombose de seio cavernoso e veia oftálmica superior após COVID-19 em paciente de 64 anos e com quadro de hiperemia ocular persistente e dor à movimentação ocular. Ao exame oftalmológico, observou-se acuidade visual preservada, hiperemia conjuntival, dilatação de vasos episclerais e tortuosidade vascular retiniana em olho direito. A ressonância confirmou o diagnóstico. A associação com a COVID-19 foi levantada, excluindo-se demais causas infecciosas. Prescrevemos enoxaparina e varfarina, com melhora do quadro clínico ocular e manutenção da acuidade visual inicial após 12 meses de acompanhamento.

Clinical Profile and Long-Term Outcomes in Pediatric Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) is a rare condition with limited data regarding its clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes. The objective of this study was to describe the clinical and radiologic features, diagnostic evaluation, management, and long-term prognosis and to identify clinical variables associated with long-term outcomes in pediatric CST. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of patients younger than 18 years diagnosed with a CST between 2004 and 2018 at a single center was conducted. RESULTS: We identified 16 (M:F = 10:6) children with CST with a mean age of 7.6 years (10 days to 15 years) and average follow-up duration of 29 months (3 weeks to 144 months). The most common symptom and examination finding at presentation was eyelid swelling (n = 8). Six patients had bilateral CST. The most common etiologies were sinusitis (n = 5) and orbital cellulitis (n = 5). Treatments included antibiotics (n = 14), anticoagulation (n = 11), and surgery (n = 5). Only one patient died due to intracranial complications. Twelve patients had a normal examination at follow-up. None of the clinical variables including age (P = 0.14), gender (P = 0.09), use of antibiotics (P = 1.00) or anticoagulation (P = 1.00), surgery (P = 0.28), parenchymal abnormalities (P = 0.30), additional cerebral venous thrombosis (P = 0.28), and early versus late commencing of anticoagulation (P = 1.00) were significant when comparing patients with full/partial resolution versus those with no resolution of thrombosis on follow-up neuroimaging. CONCLUSIONS: Our study is one of the largest cohorts with the longest follow-up data for the pediatric CST. Most of our patients had favorable outcomes at follow-up. We found no statistical difference between clinical variables when comparing patients with full/partial resolution versus those with no resolution of thrombosis on follow-up neuroimaging.

Bilateral cavernous sinus and left dural sigmoid sinus thrombosis associated with extreme exertion: a case report / Trombose bilateral do seio cavernoso e do seio sigmoide esquerdo associada a exercício extremo: relato de caso

ABSTRACT Septic cavernous sinus thrombosis is a rare but often debilitating and potentially fatal disease. We describe a case of bilateral orbital cellulitis with rapidly progressing cavernous sinus thrombosis and left sigmoidal sinus thrombosis in an immunocompetent 20-year-old military man who had undergone intensive physical training. The patient presented with rapid painful swollen left eye for 2 days. The examination results were gross proptosis with total ophthalmoplegia. He was treated with intravenous antibiotics and corticosteroid. At 1 week, visual acuity improved to 20/20 OU, with a normal intraocular pressure. There was a significant improvement in proptosis. The ocular motility of the right eye was fully restored, with slight residual ophthalmoplegia in the left eye. There was no residual illness or recurrence of illness at 3 months' follow-up.

RESUMO A trombose séptica do seio cavernoso é uma condição rara, mas frequentemente debilitante e potencialmente fatal. Descrevemos um caso de celulite orbital bilateral com progressão rápida para trombose do seio cavernoso e trombose do seio sigmoide esquerdo, em um militar imunocompetente de 20 anos de idade que havia sido submetido a treinamento físico intenso. O paciente apresentou um inchaço rápido e doloroso no olho esquerdo por 2 dias. Os resultados do exame foram proptose macroscópica com oftalmoplegia total. Ele foi tratado com antibióticos intravenosos e costicosteróide. Em 1 semana, a acuidade visual melhorou para 20/20, com pressão intraocular normal. Houve uma melhora significativa na proptose. A motilidade ocular do olho direito foi totalmente restaurada, com leve oftalmoplegia residual no olho esquerdo. Não houve doença residual ou recorrência da doença após três meses de acompanhamento.

Our experience in the management of orbital complications in acute rhinosinusitis. / Nuestra experiencia en el manejo de las complicaciones orbitarias en la rinosinusitis aguda.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The spread of an infection from the paranasal sinuses is rare but severe. Between 4% and 20% of all rhinosinusitis can become complicated, orbital involvement being the most frequent (60-75%). Orbital complications are more common in children but more severe in adults. We aim to analyse the epidemiological characteristics of these patients and to propose a management algorithm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We carried out a retrospective review of 21 patients with orbital complications of acute rhinosinusitis diagnosed in the same institution from 2005 to 2018. The diagnosis was based on clinical history, endoscopic examination and imaging tests. All patients received an intravenous antibiotic and were assessed by ophthalmology. An immediate surgical treatment was performed in the case of an abscess or poor response to medical management. RESULTS: The average age was 24 years. Fifty-two percent were males and 48% females. According to Chandler's classification, 43% (9/21) had preseptal cellulitis (7 adults and 2 children), 10% (2/21) orbital cellulitis (one adult and one child), 43% (9/21) subperiosteal abscess (2 adults and 7 children), there was one case of orbital abscess in an adult and there were no cases of cavernous sinus thrombosis. A CT scan was performed in all patients and the cases of subperiosteal or orbital abscess were treated surgically, except 2 paediatric patients (<4 years) with a small and medial subperiosteal abscess (<4mm) who responded well to medical treatment. The surgical approach is performed by endonasal endoscopy, perforating the lamina papyracea in cases of subperiosteal abscess and also opening the periorbita in orbital abscess. It was combined with an external palpebral approach in the 4 cases that presented a superior or lateral abscess. Two young adults (10%) presented an intracranial complication concomitantly. CONCLUSION: Orbital complications of acute rhinosinusitis are rare but potentially severe. It is important to be aware of and suspect them in order to act quickly. It is essential to define the location and extension of the infection for correct management, as well as multidisciplinary treatment. The surgical approach is performed by endonasal endoscopy. It is limited by abscesses located on the roof of the orbit or on the lateral wall, when a combined external palpebral approach is required.

Trombosis del seno cavernoso derecho secundaria a rinosinusitis esfenoidal: reporte de caso / Right cavernous sinus thrombosis secondary to sphenoidal rhinosinusitis: case report

RESUMEN La rinosinusitis bacteriana aguda es la infección de la mucosa nasal y de senos paranasales, que se manifiesta con congestión nasal, rinorrea purulenta y fiebre, de curso generalmente autolimitado. La trombosis del seno cavernoso (TSC) es una complicación poco frecuente, que se asocia a compromiso del seno esfenoidal y etmoidal, manifestándose clínicamente con cefalea, fiebre, alteración de pares craneanos y síntomas oculares. Ante su sospecha el estudio imagenológico es fundamental. En estos exámenes se debe buscar un defecto de llene en el seno cavernoso comprometido. El tratamiento debe iniciarse de forma precoz y contempla: antibioticoterapia, drenaje quirúrgico del seno afectado y anticoagulación. Se presenta a un paciente pediátrico masculino con TSC derecha posterior a una rinosinusitis esfenoidal no tratada, que respondió favorablemente al tratamiento. Se describe la clínica y manejo de esta patología, que presenta alta morbimortalidad, y que puede disminuirse considerablemente con un tratamiento precoz y agresivo.

ABSTRACT Acute bacterial rhinosinusitis is the infection of the nasal and paranasal mucous membrane, with symptoms such as nasal congestion, purulent rhinorrhea and fever, usually self-limiting. Cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) is a rare complication, which is associated with sphenoid and ethmoid sinus involvement, clinically manifest with headache, fever, cranial nerve involvement and ocular symptoms. When suspected, imaging studies will confirm the clinical impression. They will show abnormal flow parameters in the compromised cavernous sinus. The treatment has to start as soon as possible and consists in broad spectrum intravenous antibiotics, surgical drainage of the site of the infection and anticoagulation. We present a patient with a right CST secondary to a non-treated sphenoidal sinusitis, that responded favorably to treatment. The clinical and management of this pathology is described, which presents a high morbidity and mortality that can be reduced considerably with an early and aggressive treatment.

Septic Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis Associated With Orbital Cellulitis: A Report of 6 Cases and Review of Literature.

PURPOSE: To describe risk factors, clinical parameters, treatment, and prognosis for patients with septic cavernous sinus thrombosis presenting with orbital cellulitis. METHODS: Retrospective case series of 6 patients identified with septic cavernous sinus thrombosis and orbital cellulitis confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging at a tertiary care center from January 1980 to December 2016. Medical records were reviewed for demographics, risk factors, symptoms, etiology, radiographic diagnosis, complications, treatments, and outcomes. In addition, a literature review was performed from 2005 to 2018, and 119 cases of septic cavernous sinus thrombosis confirmed by imaging were included for aggregate comparison. This study adheres to the tenets of the Declaration of Helsinki, and institutional review board approval was obtained. RESULTS: All 6 cases presented with headache, fever, ocular motility deficit, periorbital edema, and proptosis. The primary source of infection included sinusitis (n = 4) and bacteremia (n = 2). Identified microorganisms included methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (n = 3) and Streptococcus anginosus (n = 1). All cases were treated with broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics and anticoagulation, and one case underwent endoscopic sinus surgery. The mean time between initial presentation to diagnosis of cavernous sinus thrombosis was 2.8 days, and the average length of hospital admission was 21 days. The mortality rate was 0%, but 4 cases were discharged with neurological deficits including vision loss (n = 1) and ocular motility disturbance (n = 3). Literature review produced an additional 119 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnostic imaging with contrast-enhanced CT or MRI should be initiated in patients with risk factors and ocular symptoms concerning for cavernous sinus thrombosis. Treatment entails early administration of broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics, anticoagulation, and surgical drainage when applicable.

Prognosis of septic cavernous sinus thrombosis remarkably improved: a case series of 12 patients and literature review.

PURPOSE: Septic cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) is a rare complication of infections in the head and neck area. CST is notorious for its bad prognosis, with high mortality and morbidity rates described in literature. However, these rates are based on old series. We question whether the prognosis of CST is currently still as devastating. The primary purpose of this study is to assess the mortality and morbidity of CST. METHODS: Using the databases of all relevant specialties in our tertiary referral hospital, we collected all the patients treated for CST in the period 2005-2017. In addition, a PubMed search, using the mesh term 'cavernous sinus thrombosis', was performed. RESULTS: We found 12 patients with CST in the study period. Of the 12 patients, 11 survived and 9 recovered without any permanent deficits. Seven patients were treated with anticoagulation, and in none of the patients we saw hemorrhagic complications. In literature, older articles describe higher mortality rates (14-80%), but more recent articles report mortality and morbidity rates similar to our results. CONCLUSIONS: The prognosis of CST nowadays is more favorable than previously described. Anticoagulation seems to be a safe addition to antibiotic and surgical treatment, at least in patients without central nervous system infection.

Intracranial complications of acute sinusitis in children: The role of endoscopic sinus surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To study the role of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in the management of intracranial complications of children with acute rhinosinusitis METHODS: Retrospective chart review at a tertiary care pediatric hospital MAIN OUTCOMES: Demographics, intracranial complications, length of hospital stay (LOS), neurological sequelae, ESS, neurosurgical procedures RESULTS: Twenty-four children with a mean age (SD) of 12.9 years (+/-3.2) with an intracranial complication(s) of acute rhinosinusitis were identified between 2005-2016. A total of 22 were included and 15 (68%) of these were males. The most common complications were: subdural abscess (n=10), epidural abscess (n=10), meningitis (n=5), intraparenchymal abscess (n=5), and cavernous sinus thrombosis (n= 2). Neurologic symptoms included headache (n=12), hemiparesis (n=5) and aphasia (n=3). Average length of stay was 16 (+/- 9.2) days. Average follow up was 7 (+/-5.6) months. One patient had residual seizures and 1 had recurrent rhinosinusitis. Aphasia and hemiparesis resolved in all patients within 1 year. Nineteen (86%) patients had ESS within 4 days of admission. Fourteen patients (63%) had a neurosurgical procedure, 6 (27%) required more than 1 neurosurgical procedure. Six patients (27%) had concurrent neurosurgical drainage and ESS. Four patients (17%) had neurosurgical procedure followed by ESS and 3 patients (13%) were treated only by a neurosurgical procedure. Patients who underwent ESS prior to a neurosurgical procedure had significantly less risk of needing a neurosurgical intervention (OR = .02, p < .01). There was a significantly higher proportion of neurosurgical patients with positive Strep anginosus cultures compared to the ESS only group (85.7% vs 37.5%, p = .02). Studies with larger patient populations are needed to determine the role of ESS in the management of intracranial complications of children with acute rhinosinusitis. DISCUSSION: Early ESS may be associated with less need for neurosurgical procedures.

Pythium Keratitis Leading to Fatal Cavernous Sinus Thrombophlebitis.

PURPOSE: To report a case of Pythium insidiosum keratitis leading to fatal cavernous sinus thrombophlebitis. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 70-year-old man presented with excruciating pain, redness, and diminution of vision in his left eye for 2 weeks after washing his hair with tap water. A total corneal ulcer with surrounding infiltrates and associated corneal thinning was present. Corneal scraping revealed the presence of Gram-positive cocci. KOH wet mount and in vivo confocal microscopy revealed branching hyphae. Combined antibacterial and antifungal treatment was started, but 4 days later, the ulcer showed signs of worsening with perforation for which a large therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty was done. The host cornea showed branching septate hyphae on Sabarouds Dextrose Agar. Two weeks later, the patient developed left eye proptosis with associated extraocular movement restriction. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head and orbit revealed cavernous sinus thrombophlebitis. Lid sparing partial exenteration was performed. Polymerase chain reaction revealed P. insidiosum. The patient subsequently developed a cerebrovascular attack and died of its complications. CONCLUSIONS: Ocular pythiosis may lead to cavernous sinus thrombophlebitis and can even be life threatening. Timely diagnosis and early radical surgery are of value. A high index of suspicion must be kept for P. insidiosum in cases with suspected fungal etiology not responding to conventional treatment.

Flow-Diverting Stents for the Obliteration of Symptomatic, Infectious Cavernous Carotid Artery Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Intracavernous aneurysms constitute up to 9% of all intracranial aneurysms and 6% are infectious (IIA). First line therapy is a protracted antibiotic course, yet with failure, surgery and endovascular parent vessel sacrifice have been utilized. Reconstructive endovascular therapies have emerged for aneurysm control and may demonstrate a safer therapeutic alternative. OBJECTIVE: To present an IIA treated with a flow-diverting Pipeline stent (ev3 Neurovascular, Irvine, California). METHODS: A 41-yr-old female presented with visual loss, ophthalmoplegia, and cavernous sinus thrombosis with an associated phlegmon. Transsphenoidal evacuation was performed without complication or bleeding and she continued on medical therapy. Two weeks postoperatively, she developed a worsening right third cranial nerve palsy and MRA demonstrated a 1-cm right IIA, not evident on postoperative MRI. Three days of dual antiplatelet therapy preceded successful pipeline embolization. Angiography demonstrated aneurysm obliteration at 3 mo and her right ophthalmoplegia resolved. RESULTS: A literature review identified 6 reported cases of IIAs treated with stent embolization. Only 1 documented a flow-diverting Silk stent used in a child. All lesions were obliterated at follow-up without neurological sequelae. No complication arose with implantation in the setting of infection, and as few as 3 d of dual antiplatelet therapy was sufficient for preprocedural prophylaxis, although in Vivo antiplatelet activity may be more significant. CONCLUSION: We report the first case of an IIA treated with a flow-diverting pipeline stent. These devices preserve native vasculature and neurological function compared to surgical and endovascular vessel sacrifice strategies. They appear to be safe management options for the treatment of IIAs.

Compromiso de seno cavernoso como presentación de cáncer anaplásico de tiroides / Cavernous sinus involvement as presentation of anaplastic thyroid cancer

Anaplastic thyroid cancer is an uncommon malignant tumor, usually fatal, primarily affecting older adults and doesn't have effective systemic therapy. The median survival is less than 6 months from diagnosis. Brain metastases are low frequency and reach 18 percent. We present the case of a patient with papillary carcinoma of the thyroid who takes an aggressive form, becoming anaplastic carcinoma, with involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) manifested by paralysis of the cranial nerve IV, which is rare clinical condition.

A review of eight cases of cavernous sinus thrombosis secondary to sphenoid sinusitis, including a12-year-old girl at the present department.

Cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) is a severe disease which can result from infection of any of the tissues drained by the cavernous sinus. We here review eight cases, including a 12-year-old girl, all secondary to sphenoid sinusitis. The clinical manifestations, laboratory data, imaging findings, pathogens, medications, surgical treatment and clinical outcomes were analyzed. All eight patients had headache and five of them fever. All cases were associated with one or more ophthalmic symptoms. In four cases, computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging showed isolated sphenoid sinusitis. In three cases, streptococci were isolated from blood culture and two cases showed Staphylococcus aureus in blood and sinus cultures. In seven cases, surgery was undertaken. All eight subjects received antibiotics, and 5 were administered intravenous ceftriaxone and metronidazole. Six subjects received anticoagulation therapy and one received corticosteroids. No mortality was recorded. Three cases showed sequelae, including Lemierre syndrome, ophthalmic complaints, and cranial nerve paralysis. In conclusion, the management of CST should include intravenous antibiotic therapy, combined with endonasal sinus surgery.

Cavernous sinus thrombosis secondary to aspergillus granuloma: A case report and review of the literature.

Cavernous sinus thrombosis is a rare but serious complication of sphenoid aspergillosis. The rarity of this pathology makes its diagnostic very difficult on a clinical, biological and radiological sense. The authors present a case of cavernous sinus thrombosis with ipsilateral internal carotid artery thrombosis secondary to a non-invasive sphenoid aspergillosis in an immunocompetent host, responsible of a cavernous syndrome associated to a Claude Bernard Horner syndrome. One year after surgery, the patient is still asymptomatic without recurrence. Diagnostic modalities are detailed and several management of this pathology are compared. Surgery is essential in a diagnostic and therapeutic sense. There is no evidence of the interest of adjuvant therapies such as antibiotic and anticoagulation. Concerning the antifungal treatment, the attitude towards a non-invasive sphenoid aspergillosis in an immunocompetent host is unclear.

Hospital cost of pediatric patients with complicated acute sinusitis.

OBJECTIVE: Review costs for pediatric patients with complicated acute sinusitis. METHODS: A retrospective case series of patients in a pediatric hospital was created to determine hospital costs using a standardized activity-based accounting system for inpatient treatment between November 2010 and December 2014. Children less than 18 years of age who were admitted for complicated acute sinusitis were included in the study. Demographics, length of stay, type of complication and cost of care were determined for these patients. RESULTS: The study included 64 patients with a mean age of 10 years. Orbital cellulitis (orbital/preseptal/postseptal cellulitis) accounted for 32.8% of patients, intracranial complications (epidural/subdural abscess, cavernous sinus thrombosis) for 29.7%, orbital abscesses (subperiosteal/intraorbital abscesses) for 25.0%, potts puffy tumor for 7.8%, and other (including facial abscess and dacryocystitis) for 4.7%. The average length of stay was 5.7 days. The mean cost per patient was $20,748. Inpatient floor costs (31%) and operating room costs (18%) were the two greatest expenditures. The major drivers in variation of cost between types of complications included pediatric intensive care unit stays and pharmacy costs. CONCLUSION: Although complicated acute sinusitis in the pediatric population is rare, this study demonstrates a significant financial impact on the health care system. Identifying ways to reduce unnecessary costs for these visits would improve the value of care for these patients.

Successful Treatment of Dental Infection-Induced Chronic Cavernous Sinus Thrombophlebitis With Antibiotics and Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin: Two Case Reports.

Two patients developed cavernous sinus thrombophlebitis from a tooth infection. A 36-year-old man experienced a severe headache with bilateral third and sixth cranial nerve palsies after extraction of his left upper third molar. Another 53-year-old diabetic man developed fever, headache, and bilateral complete ophthalmoplegia after a tooth infection. The brain magnetic resonance imaging scans of both patients showed bilateral cavernous sinus partial thrombosis. Broad-spectrum antibiotics plus low-molecular-weight heparin successfully resolved all symptoms. Both patients recovered fully without any recurrence at the 3-month follow-up visit.

[Management of ocular and orbital complications in acute sinusitis]. / Prise en charge des complications oculo-orbitaires des sinusites aiguës.

PURPOSE: Describe the clinical presentations of orbital complications of acute sinusitis and discuss therapeutic approaches. METHODS: Retrospective study of 29 cases of acute sinusitis with orbital extension hospitalized over a period of 12years (2000 to 2012). RESULTS: There were 23 men and 6 women. The mean age was 15.75years. The average time until consultation was 7.68 days. Sinusitis was ethmoido-maxillary in 20 cases, ethmoidal in 6 cases, and frontal in 3 cases. Orbital extension was grouped according to the Chandler classification: stage I (3 cases), stage II (3 cases), stage III (15 cases), stage IV (8 cases). Antibiotic therapy was prescribed in all cases. Surgery was performed in 22 cases. Bacterial cultures revealed streptococcus (2 cases), aspergillus fumigatus (1 case) and were negative in 8 cases. The outcome was favorable in 27 cases. In two cases, the outcome was unfavorable with associated intracranial complications. DISCUSSION: Oculoorbital extension of acute sinusitis is a diagnostic and therapeutic emergency. Paranasal sinus CT is essential to confirm orbital extension and identify the causative sinus. Intravenous antibiotic therapy is the main treatment. The roles of corticosteroid and heparin therapy remain controversial. Surgery is indicated in the case of abscess or high visual risk. Endoscopic endonasal surgery appears to have a double role, in diagnosis and treatment.