Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis

Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis

Define, and describe clinical features and principles of treatment of Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis
Answer: In cavernous sinus thrombosis, the infection from the maxillary anterior region is carried via facial, angular, and nasofrontal veins to the superior ophthalmic veins which enter the cavernous sinus via the superior orbital fissure.

Veins of the dangerous areas of the face are valveless and allow retrograde infection in the form of cavernous sinus thrombosis.

Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis Clinical Features

• The patient had sinusitis or midfacial infection which was manipulated.
• Before ocular symptoms, there is the presence of headache, fever, and malaise.
• Patient complaints of orbital fullness and pain along with visual disturbances.
• If the complaints remain untreated for a long time symptoms get spread to other eyes and it can be fatal too.
• Signs of venous congestion are present, i.e. chemosis, edema of the eyelid, and periorbital edema.
• Signs of retrobulbar pressure are present such as exophthalmos, ophthalmoplegia, and loss of corneal reflex
• Meningeal signs are present, i.e. nuchal rigidity, Brudzinski’s sign.
• Systemic signs are also present such as chills, fever, delirium, and shock.

Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis Principles Of Treatment

• Aggressive antibiotic therapy with broad-spectrum antibiotics.
• Anticoagulation is done by giving heparin.
• Steroids are given to reduce the inflammation.
• The primary source of the infection should be eliminated.