A Rare Intersection of Septic Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Insights from the Case of a 70-Year-Old Patient.

We describe a rare and complex case of septic cavernous sinus thrombosis (SCST) in a 70-year-old patient who initially presented with ocular symptoms that rapidly progressed to severe intracranial vascular complications, including subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Despite the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and anticoagulants, the patient's condition deteriorated. SCST, often caused by sinus infections, presents a significant diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma, with mortality rates exceeding 20%. This report underscores the diversity of clinical presentations, ranging from mild headaches to severe cranial nerve deficits, that complicate diagnosis and treatment. The inability to detect any aneurysms in our patient using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography angiography (CTA) may indicate an alternative pathogenesis. This could involve venous hypertension and endothelial hyperpermeability. This case illustrates the need for personalized treatment approaches, as recommended by the European Federation of Neurological Societies, and the importance of a multidisciplinary perspective when managing such intricate neurological conditions. Our findings contribute to the understanding of SCST coexisting with SAH.

Septic cavernous sinus thrombosis presenting as acute cerebral infarction and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: Case report.

RATIONALE: Septic cavernous sinus thrombosis (SCST) is a rare infectious thrombophlebitic disease. The infection often arises from the tissues surrounding the cavernous sinus as well as the cavernous sinus drainage. Early symptoms of SCST include fever, headache, proptosis, ptosis, bulbar conjunctival edema, and limited eye movement. The complications include venous sinus thrombosis, intracerebral abscess, and subdural empyema. Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage combined with acute cerebral infarction has not been reported. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 46-year-old man presented with visual impairment in his right eye and intermittent headache for 2 months. Ten days later, the patient developed a sudden loss of consciousness, coma, cardiac arrest, and respiratory arrest. The patient eventually died. DIAGNOSES: SCST, acute cerebral infarction, aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, anterior cerebral artery aneurysm. INTERVENTIONS: Antiplatelet and lipid-lowering therapy, antibiotic treatment, emergency aneurysm clipping, and decompressive craniectomy. OUTCOMES: The patient underwent emergency aneurysm clipping and decompressive craniectomy, and postoperative head computed tomography showed a massive cerebral infarction in the right cerebral hemisphere. The patient eventually died. LESSONS: We report a case of SCST mainly presenting as acute cerebral infarction and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, with an acute onset and ultimately a poor prognosis. This complication is extremely rare and have not yet reported according existing literatures but can be life-threatening if not recognized and treated promptly. Early antibiotic administration and early sinus drainage may alter the patient's prognosis. By describing this unusual the case we hope to raise awareness of the need of early illness detection and treatment in order to avoid catastrophic consequences. It also exemplifies the mechanism of acute inflammatory disorders and aneurysm development.

A case of Lemierre's syndrome causing panhypopituitarism, cavernous sinus thrombosis, ischaemic stroke and pulmonary embolism.

Infection is a rare cause of panhypopituitarism and has not been reported in the context of Lemierre's syndrome. We present the case of a previously well 19-year-old man, who presented acutely unwell with meningitis and sepsis. Fusobacterium necrophorum was isolated from peripheral blood cultures and identified on cerebrospinal fluid with 16S rDNA Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Imaging demonstrated internal jugular vein thrombosis with subsequent cavernous venous sinus thrombosis. Pituitary function tests were suggestive of panhypopituitarism. The patient was diagnosed with Lemierre's syndrome complicated by meningitis, cavernous sinus thrombosis, base of skull osteomyelitis, ischaemic stroke and panhypopituitarism. He was treated with 13 weeks of intravenous antibiotics followed by 3 weeks of oral amoxicillin, and anticoagulated with dalteparin then apixaban. His panhypopituitarism was managed with hydrocortisone, levothyroxine and desmopressin.

Cavernous sinus and jugular thromboses, base of skull osteomyelitis and cranial nerve palsies: catastrophic complications of sphenoid sinusitis.

Sphenoid sinusitis is a clinically important entity as it may be associated with catastrophic complications including cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST), cerebral abscess or infarction, meningitis, base of skull osteomyelitis and cranial nerve palsies. We report a case of occult sphenoid sinusitis presenting as Streptococcus intermedius bacteraemia, bilateral jugular vein and CST, cranial nerve palsy and base of skull osteomyelitis.

Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis and Blindness After Simple Tooth Extraction in Patient Who Recovered From Coronavirus 2019: A Case Report.

The pandemic Coronavirus 2019 is a disease transmitted either by droplets from a person's sneeze or cough or direct spread; also known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2. Although the morbidity of the disease is mainly related to respiratory distress, the associated inflammatory response can induce various coagulopathies despite an anticoagulant therapy. The authors are documenting a case of a diabetic patient who recovered from Coronavirus 2019 and is on prophylactic anticoagulant therapy after routine extraction of a maxillary second molar that progressed to unilateral cavernous sinus thrombosis and loss of vision.

Different causes and diverse outcomes of extremely rare septic cavernous sinus thrombosis complicated with internal carotid artery stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Cases of acute sphenoid sinusitis complicated by septic cavernous sinus (CS) thrombosis and internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis are rarely reported. Different causative pathogens have been reported for this condition. We present two extremely rare and special cases with diverse clinical presentations and outcomes. Case 1 involved a female patient with less extensive sinusitis, but critical ICA occlusion. Case 2 involved a male patient with extensive pansinusitis, meningitis, cerebritis, and vasculitis due to fungal infection, but less stenosis of the ICA lumen. Both patients underwent surgical debridement and received broad-spectrum antibiotics. Additional anti-fungal medication was also administered in Case 2. However, outcomes differed considerably between cases. DISCUSSION: Case 1 recovered with minimal neurological deficits and had Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores of 5 and 2, respectively; however, the Case 2 had GOS and mRS scores of 3 and 4, respectively. Although rare, septic CS thrombosis with ICA stenosis can lead to unexpected and severe neurological sequelae. Fungal infection can result in catastrophic complications and poorer prognosis. CONCLUSION: In addition to early detection, aggressive surgical debridement and adequate antimicrobial treatment are crucial to satisfactory outcomes in patients with septic CS thrombosis complicated with ICA stenosis.

A propósito de tres casos: ptosis y cefalea en diferentes escenarios / Ptosis and headaches in different scenaries: a presentation of 3 cases

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Diagnostic difficulties in a patient with multiple sclerosis who presents with cranial nerve palsies: an unusual complication of dental work.

A woman in her 60s with multiple sclerosis (MS) presented with right-sided ptosis, right sixth nerve palsy, right facial paraesthesia and signs of sepsis. She had a recent diagnosis of a dental abscess. Investigations revealed a right submasseter abscess leading to bacterial meningitis (Streptococcus intermedius) and a cavernous sinus thrombosis. She was managed in intensive care and underwent surgical drainage of the abscess. Anticoagulation for 6 months was planned. Cavernous sinus thrombosis is a very rare complication of a dental abscess, and even less frequently associated with submasseter abscesses. The case was complicated by a history of MS, to which the patient's symptoms and signs were initially attributed to. This case highlights the diagnostic pitfalls, and aims to enhance learning around similar cases. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of a masseter/submasseter abscess leading to cavernous sinus thrombosis.

Septic cavernous sinus thrombosis-Case series and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Septic cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) is a rare, life-threatening disease with infectious thrombosis causing associated complications resulting in high morbidity and mortality. We report a series of CST patients with assessment of arterial and intracranial complications. METHODS: We used the radiology database from a large, academic tertiary care center to collect all patients treated with CST between 2002 and 2019. Patient demographics, source of infection, treatment course and outcomes were evaluated. A review of the recent literature was also performed for similar reported complications from CST. RESULTS: 14 patients with CST treated during this time period were assessed. Of the 14 patients, 1 patient died. 7 patients had unilateral narrowing of ICA while 3 patients had bilateral narrowing. The ICA narrowing was reversible in 10/12 patients and improvement but persistent narrowing in one patient. One patient had an infectious pseudo aneurysm that was treated by coiling. Extension of thrombosis to the transverse- sigmoid sinuses and internal jugular vein were seen in 3 patients. Three patients had subdural empyema which was treated surgically. CONCLUSION: The prognosis of CST has improved with advancement in treatment, but complications are not infrequent.

Síndrome de seno cavernoso secundario a una tromboflebitis por Streptococcus intermedius complicada con vasculitis de la arteria carótida interna y abscesos cerebrales / Cavernous sinus syndrome secondary to thrombophlebitis due to Streptococcus intermedius complicated with vasculitis of the internal carotid artery and brain abscesses

Introducción: La tromboflebitis del seno cavernoso es una enfermedad infecciosa grave con alta mortalidad y morbilidad. Su diagnóstico suele ser tardío y requiere múltiples visitas a urgencias en la mayoría de casos, y el pronóstico es altamente dependiente de su rápido tratamiento. A pesar de su gravedad, la evidencia con respecto al tratamiento con corticoides y anticoagulación es escasa y controvertida. Entre sus complicaciones se encuentra la arteritis, la cual puede confundirse con una vasculitis de mediano-gran vaso, como en este caso. Caso clínico: Mujer de 26 años, que acude por una cefalea y un edema palpebral izquierdo. En las pruebas de imagen se evidencia trombosis del seno cavernoso izquierdo y una estrechez importante de la arteria carótida interna. Se interpreta el cuadro como secundario a un proceso vascular inflamatorio y se inician corticoides, con buena respuesta. Sin embargo, al poco tiempo se presenta fiebre y edema palpebral contralateral. En los hemocultivos se obtiene un crecimiento de Streptococcus intermedius y se diagnostica una tromboflebitis del seno cavernoso. A pesar del inicio de antibióticos y anticoagulación, sufre una hemiplejía derecha secundaria a la formación de abscesos frontotemporales. Se procede al drenaje quirúrgico y la paciente cursa con buena evolución. Ante la ausencia de otros focos infecciosos, y debido a la procedencia oral del germen, se realiza una exodoncia múltiple profiláctica. Conclusión: Se recomienda considerar la tromboflebitis como una opción diagnóstica tanto en las cefaleas con síntomas oculares como en la arteritis de mediano-gran vaso para su tratamiento oportuno

Introduction: Thrombophlebitis of the cavernous sinus is a severe infectious disease with high mortality and morbidity. It is usually diagnosed at a late stage and requires a number of visits to the emergency department in most cases, and the prognosis is highly dependent on prompt treatment. Despite its severity, evidence regarding treatment with corticosteroids and anticoagulation therapy is scarce and controversial. One of its complications is arteritis, which can be mistaken for medium to large vessel vasculitis, as in this case. Case Report: A 26-year-old female, who visited due to headache and left palpebral oedema. Imaging tests revealed thrombosis in the left cavernous sinus and significant narrowing of the internal carotid artery. The clinical picture was interpreted as secondary to an inflammatory vascular process and treatment with corticosteroids was initiated, with a good response. However, soon afterwards, fever and contralateral palpebral oedema developed. In the blood cultures a growth of Streptococcus intermedius was obtained and thrombophlebitis of the cavernous sinus was diagnosed. Despite initiating antibiotic and anticoagulation therapy, the patient suffered a right hemiplegia secondary to the formation of frontotemporal abscesses. Surgical drainage was performed and the patient progressed well. In the absence of other infectious foci, and due to the oral origin of the germ, a prophylactic multiple exodontia was performed. Conclusion: Thrombophlebitis should be considered as a diagnostic option both in headaches with ocular symptoms and in medium to large vessel arteritis so that they can be treated in a timely manner

When the Problem Became the Solution.

We present a unique case where a young man developed subtle cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) due to underlying hypercoagulable state. He also had coexisting frontal lobe brain dural arteriovenous fistula (bdAVF). After CST developed, venous drainage from the optic nerve was redirected into the frontal lobe which was already under high venous pressure because of preexisting bdAVF. This caused backflow of venous blood into the optic nerve causing massive persistent optic nerve head swelling. Presumed acute venous hypertension event within bdAVF caused frontal mass effect presenting as seizure leading to thrombosis of bdAVF.

Comment faire d'un problème une solution. Nous voulons présenter ici le cas unique d'un jeune homme chez qui une thrombose du sinus caverneux s'est développée en raison d'une condition sous-jacente d'hypercoagulabilité. Ajoutons également que le lobe frontal de son cerveau donnait à voir des fistules artério-veineuses durales. Une fois développé ce type de thrombose, on a procédé à un drainage veineux à partir du nerf optique, drainage ensuite redirigé dans le lobe frontal, lequel faisait déjà face à des conditions de pression veineuse élevée à cause de ces fistules. Cela a entraîné le refoulement de sang veineux dans le nerf optique, ce qui a provoqué en retour une grave et persistante enflure de la tête du nerf optique. À cet égard, on peut présumer qu'une manifestation aigüe d'hypertension veineuse dans ces fistules a causé l'apparition de cet effet de masse du lobe frontal se manifestant par des crises convulsives, ce qui a fini par engendrer la thrombose des fistules artério-veineuses durales.

Impact of superior ophthalmic vein thrombosis: a case series and literature review.

Purpose: To present nine new cases of superior ophthalmic vein thrombosis (SOVT) and compare these with the literature, and to assess the impact of SOVT for the clinician. Methods: Using the data bases of the Department of Ophthalmology of the AMC, we searched for patients with radiologically evidenced SOVT between January 2006 and December 2014. In addition, a PubMed search, using the mesh term 'superior ophthalmic vein thrombosis', was done. Results: We found nine patients with SOVT. In three patients, SOVT was related to dural arteriovenous fistulae. In one patient, it was caused by the acute reversal of warfarin by vitamin K. In two patients, an infectious cause was found. In three patients, the cause of SOVT was not found despite screening for coagulation and other disorders. All patients presented with eyelid swelling, proptosis, and/or motility impairment. We found complete recovery in four patients. Three patients had mild sequelae and two patients had severe visual impairment. In the literature, we found 60 cases reporting on SOVT with various aetiologies. Clinical presentation, treatment modalities, and outcomes were comparable to our findings. Conclusion: Our case series and literature review show that SOVT can occur simultaneously with cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) but can also be a separate entity. Clinical presentation can mimic orbital cellulitis (OC) or CST and when no signs of OC can be found, an alternative cause for SOVT should be sought. When timely and adequate treatment is conducted, the prognosis is predominantly favourable.

[Headache: consider cavernous sinus thrombophlebitis]. / Hoofdpijn: denk aan sinus-cavernosustromboflebitis.

A 38-year-old woman presented with a 1-week history of progressive headache and acute onset of left-sided hemiparesis. Neurological examination showed bradyphrenia and intermittent left hemiparesis. Brain neuroimaging revealed cavernous sinus thrombosis, subdural empyema, pathological vessel-wall enhancement of the right middle cerebral artery and ischaemia in the right striatum. Cavernous sinus thrombophlebitis with secondary vasculitis and ischaemic stroke was diagnosed. Bacteraemia due to Streptococcus intermedius from a jaw infection was found and she received antibiotic treatment. At six-month follow-up, her symptoms had improved remarkably. Clinical signs such as progressive headache, which does not respond to analgesics, subtle cranial nerve palsy and increased infectious parameters should alert the clinician to conduct appropriate neuroimaging studies. Early initiation of effective antibiotic treatment in these cases is essential and can change the course of the illness and improve prognosis.

Transfemoral thrombectomy in the cavernous sinus and superior ophthalmic vein.

Cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) is a rare condition that can cause death, neurologic disability, and visual loss. A pre-teen with septic CST leading to ocular hypertension and acute visual loss was treated at our institution with thrombectomy and thrombolysis of the cavernous sinuses and superior ophthalmic veins. Successful recanalization of the bilateral cavernous sinuses and superior ophthalmic veins was achieved in two separate procedures without complication. The patient showed immediate symptomatic relief. He was neurologically intact without visual deficits at the 2 month follow-up. This is the first report in the literature showing the feasibility of cavernous sinus thrombectomy using current devices and techniques. Early endovascular therapy may help preserve vision in patients with acute CST.