A potentially fatal condition caused when a blood clot in the cavernous sinus becomes infected with bacteria, which accumulate in the blood and produce toxins. Cavernous sinus thrombosis is usually a consequence of bacterial sinusitis. The infection may spread into other sinus areas through associated veins. Symptoms may include headache, a high fever, seizures, and loss of consciousness.
Cavernous sinus thrombosis refers to the obstruction of a venous sinus, which is a deep channel carrying venous blood located behind an eye socket within the skull. This blockage occurs due to the presence of an abnormal blood clot, known as a thrombus. Cavernous sinus thrombosis typically arises as a complication of a bacterial infection in an area that is drained by the veins entering the sinus. Initially, the veins behind one eye are affected, but over the course of a few days, the thrombosis may extend to the sinus behind the other eye.
Various infections can potentially lead to the development of cavernous sinus thrombosis. These infections include severe skin infection known as cellulitis affecting the face, infections of the mouth, eye, or middle ear, sinusitis (an infection in the air spaces of the facial skull), and bloodstream infections, also referred to as septicaemia.
Symptoms associated with cavernous sinus thrombosis encompass severe headache, elevated body temperature, pain, and diminished sensation in and above the affected eye caused by pressure on the fifth cranial nerve. Proptosis, which refers to the protrusion of the eyeball, occurs due to swelling around and behind the eye. In certain instances, vision may become blurred, and eye movements may be paralyzed due to pressure on the optic nerve and other cranial nerves.
Prompt medical intervention involving the administration of antibiotic and anticoagulant medications is crucial to preserve vision in cases of cavernous sinus thrombosis. Without proper treatment, blindness can occur, and the infection may ultimately lead to fatal consequences.
Septic phlebitis originating from a facial infection that spreads to one of the major blood sinuses in the skull.