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Cavernous Sinus Syndrome, Pediatric

Sabrina E. Smith, MD, PhD Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Cavernous sinus syndrome comprises disease processes that localize to the cavernous sinus—a venous plexus that drains the face, mouth, tonsils, pharynx, nasal cavity, paranasal sinus...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Recent facial furuncle or cellulitis, sinusitis, dental infection, otitis, or orbital cellulitis may predispose to cavernous sinus syndrome.

  • Fever, headache, eye pain, diplopia, and fa...

TREATMENT

First priority is to rule out septic cavernous sinus thrombosis, life-threatening infections of the face, sinuses, middle ear, teeth, and orbit. 

MEDICATION

First Line

  • For septic cavernous sinu...

ONGOING CARE

  • Septic cavernous sinus thrombosis may relapse, or embolic abscesses may develop 2 to 6 weeks after therapy has been stopped.

  • Repeat MRI with gadolinium should be considered, especially if ...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Chen CC, Chang PC, Shy CG, et al. CT angiography and MR angiography in the evaluation of carotid cavernous sinus fistula prior to embolization: a comparison of techniques. AJNR Am J...

CODES

ICD9

  • 437.6 Nonpyogenic thrombosis of intracranial venous sinus

  • 747.81 Anomalies of cerebrovascular system

  • 378.55 External ophthalmoplegia

ICD10

  • I67.6 Nonpyogenic thrombosis of intracranial venous sys...

FAQ

  • Q: Will my child’s eye movements return to normal?

  • A: In most cases, oculomotor nerves regain function as other signs improve, although they may take the longest to recover.

  • Q: Can more pain medicin...

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