Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis Secondary to Sphenoid Sinus Fungal Ball

Sphenoid Sinus Fungal Ball and Reestablishing Sinus Function

OBJECTIVES

The aim was to assess the developmental attributes of sphenoid sinuses affected by fungal balls and describe a surgical approach which reestablishes gravity-dependent drainage to compensate for any mucociliary dysfunction.

METHODS

A within-patient case-control analysis was performed on sphenoid sinus dimensions from patients with sphenoid sinus fungal ball (SSFB). Radiological dimensions were assessed to determine the dominant or larger sinus by volume and width. Pneumatization in the sagittal and lateral extent was assessed. The influence of sinus size and pneumatization variants within a patient was analyzed. Patency and the presence of mucostasis from radical reshaping of the sinus cavity were documented at least 3 months after surgery. Complications (bleeding, cerebrospinal fluid leak, and cranial nerve palsy) were recorded.

RESULTS

Twenty-three patients (59 ± 19 years, 86% female, 46 sphenoid sinuses) were assessed. Fungal ball was more common in the smaller (non-dominant) sinus, by width (78% vs. 22%, p < 0.01) and by proportion of total sphenoid volume (0.39 ± 0.16 vs. 0.61 ± 0.16, p < 0.01). Pneumatization variants did not influence the development of SSFB within a patient. All patients had patency and the absence of mucostasis or persistent inflammation at last follow-up. No complications were reported.

CONCLUSION

The smaller or nondominant sphenoid sinus is more affected by SSFB. Surgical reshaping of the sphenoid to prevent mucostasis is favorable in managing the smaller affected sinus cavity.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 2024.

Isolated Fungal Sphenoid Sinusitis With Cavernous Sinus Thrombophlebitis: A Case Report

Cavernous sinus thrombophlebitis is a rare, potentially life-threatening, condition that is most often caused by gram-negative bacteria and, to a lesser extent, fungi. Mucor is an opportunistic fungus that frequently affects patients with a weak immune system. We describe a case of an adult female without diabetes who developed Mucor sphenoid sinusitis causing cavernous sinus thrombophlebitis. The patient presented with headache, diplopia, and right lateral rectus palsy. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed abnormal prominent enhancement involving the cavernous sinuses associated with interspersed internal non-enhancing components indicating bilateral cavernous sinus thrombophlebitis and exuberant inspissated secretions within the left sphenoid sinus. After administering enoxaparin and intravenous antibiotics, the patient underwent endoscopic transnasal sphenoidotomy with nasal polypectomy. Culture results showed growth of mucor, for which the patient received itraconazole. Thereafter, complete resolution of headache, diplopia, and right lateral rectus palsy was observed. On follow-up, no residual neurologic deficits were noted. The repeat cranial MRI showed no abnormality involving the cavernous sinuses, with no evidence of cavernous sinus thrombophlebitis and normal paranasal sinuses. While a few case reports have been available on cavernous sinus thrombophlebitis caused by fungal sphenoid sinusitis with Mucor as the primary organism, none have involved immunocompetent individuals.

Streptococcus Intermedius as the cause of sphenoid sinusitis & associated extensive skull base and neck thrombophlebitis & thrombosis

Acute bacterial sinusitis may be complicated by orbital and intracranial involvement and by thrombophlebitis. Its spread across multiple anatomic compartments is facilitated by the interconnected venous anatomy of the head and neck and the virulence of the primary pathogen. We present a rare case of Streptococcus Intermedius (S. Intermedius) acute bacterial sinusitis complicated by extensive skull base involvement including cavernous sinuses and neck vein thrombophlebitis and thrombosis.