Ming‑Chun Chena, Yu‑Huai Hob, Pau‑Nyen Chongc, Jui‑Hsia Chena*
aDepartment of Pediatrics, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan, bDepartment of Infectious Disease, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan, cDepartment of Medical Imaging, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
Open Access funded by Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation
Abstract
Isolated sphenoid sinusitis is a rare disorder and may present with severe complications due to its proximity to the orbital and intracranial areas. We report a 13‑year‑old boy hospitalized for septic shock with fever of unknown origin. Facial palsy was later noted.
Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed a sphenoid mass and right cavernous sinus and internal jugular vein thrombosis. Biopsy revealed chronic rhinosinusitis. Complete recovery followed by an incision/drainage procedure and antibiotic treatment. Acute sphenoid
sinusitis should be included in the differential diagnosis of septic manifestations mimicking central nervous system infection or cranial nerve palsy.
Keywords: Acute sphenoid sinusitis, Cavernous sinus thrombosis, Children, Cranial nerve palsy
