An acute ischemic stroke secondary to sphenoid sinusitis

Ear Nose Throat J. 2009 Nov;88(11):E23-8.

Abstract

Acute isolated sphenoid sinusitis is a relatively uncommon entity. Because its symptoms and clinical findings are nonspecific, it can be easily misdiagnosed. Left unrecognized and untreated, it can lead to several well-known and severe complications, including meningitis, cerebral abscess, cavernous sinus thrombosis, and epidural or subdural empyema. We report the case of a 28-year-old woman with acute sphenoid sinusitis complicated by ischemic stroke in the left caudate nucleus, lentiform nucleus, and posterior part of the internal capsule. The stroke was diagnosed on magnetic resonance imaging. Also, magnetic resonance angiography showed a narrowing of the internal carotid artery and a narrowing of the first part of the left anterior and middle cerebral arteries (A1 and M1 segments). The patient was treated with medical therapy, including antibiotics, and surgical drainage of the sphenoid sinus via an endoscopic approach. Her outcome was good, and she experienced minimal neurologic sequelae. We discuss the possible explanations for this rare complication.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Acyclovir / therapeutic use
  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Carotid Artery Diseases
  • Cefotaxime / therapeutic use
  • Dalteparin / therapeutic use
  • Dexamethasone / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography
  • Sphenoid Sinusitis / complications*
  • Sphenoid Sinusitis / diagnosis
  • Sphenoid Sinusitis / drug therapy
  • Sphenoid Sinusitis / surgery
  • Stroke / diagnosis
  • Stroke / drug therapy
  • Stroke / etiology*
  • Stroke / surgery
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Vancomycin / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Anticoagulants
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Vancomycin
  • Dexamethasone
  • Cefotaxime
  • Dalteparin
  • Acyclovir