ISOLATED SPHENOIDITIS

ABSTRACT

Solitary infection of the sphenoid sinus is an uncommon condition. A series of 13 patients with isolated sphenoid sinusitis was reported. A retrospective chart review was performed with special attention given to patients who presented signs, symptoms, culture results and radiographic findings. There were five patients with acute infection and eight with chronic infection. The predominant presenting symptoms were severe unexplained headache, cranial nerve palsies and visual impairment. Eight patients had underlying diseases. Computerized tomography and sinus endoscopy proved to be most useful diagnostic studies. Staphylococcus spp. and Gram negative organisms were responsible. Eleven patients were improved or cured. One patient died from septicemia. Early diagnosis and aggressive therapy, including surgical drainage, were important in preventing fatal complications and should not be delayed. Chiang Mai Med Bull 2545;41(1)1-6.