Cavernous sinus thrombosis in a 14-year old boy

Abstract

Cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) is a rare, life-threatening disorder occurring as a result of sepsis or secondary to aseptic causes in the setting of a thrombophilic disorder that has over the years been linked to high morbidity and mortality rates; this being despite availability of a wide number of new broad-spectrum antibiotics. We present a case of a 14-year old boy who had presented with two weeks’ duration of worsening bitemporal headache followed by facial swelling on the background history of chronic non-specific headache of few months duration. He was diagnosed to have cavernous sinus thrombosis secondary to pansinusitis. The course of his illness was complicated by a stroke despite prompt treatment with antibiotics and anticoagulation. The case highlights the importance of high index of suspicion in patients with unexplained headache and need for investigation and early referral to prevent occurrence of cavernous sinus thrombosis.