A Case of Cavernous Sinus Thrombophlebitis and Abducence Nerve Palsy Secondary to Petrositis / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

Septic inflammation and thrombosis of the cavernous sinus was extremely fatal in the preantibiotic era. After the introduction of antibiotics, the incidence of septic cavernous thrombophlebitis has diminished significantly. It is, however, still a serious disease accompanied by a high morbidity and mortality rate. Therefore, a high index of suspicion and aggressive initiation of treatment is of the utmost importance for the prognosis. A case of cavernous sinus thrombophlebitis and abducence nerve palsy which takes place secondary to petrositis was diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and is presented here. The resolution of septic thrombus and complete recovery of sixth (abducens) nerve palsy was observed with treatment with antibiotics and steroids accompanied by tympanotomy tube placement.