An Atypical Presentation of Bilateral Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis

TL;DR

This paper presents a rare case of cavernous sinus thrombosis in a patient with substance use disorder and highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

Contribution

The paper contributes a case report and literature review to increase awareness and guide clinicians in managing this rare condition.

Findings

The patient's signs and symptoms were classic for cavernous sinus thrombosis.

Early detection and treatment are crucial for better patient outcomes.

There is a lack of evidence-based guidelines for diagnosing and treating this condition.

Abstract

Diagnosis and management of cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) can be challenging, but several clinical clues can aid in a more time-efficient and cost-effective approach. This condition is rare which can delay diagnosis and be fatal due to the several important neurovascular structures that run through the cavernous sinus. This report discusses a case of CST in a male with substance use disorder whose signs, symptoms, and diagnostic findings were classic for CST. When patients present with multiple concerns, symptom recognition can be challenging, as in this case. Clinicians need to take all symptoms and physical exam findings into consideration and eliminate any bias to provide proper care for patients. Early detection can lead to a more rapid diagnosis and early initiation of adequate treatment to provide better outcomes. There are limited evidence-based guidelines regarding diagnosis and treatment. This report will also review some of the more recent literature on the topic in an attempt to aid healthcare providers in giving proper care to their patients and thereby increasing knowledge and awareness of the subject.

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