Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis Questions & Answers

Updated: Jul 16, 2018
  • Author: Rahul Sharma, MD, MBA, FACEP; Chief Editor: Barry E Brenner, MD, PhD, FACEP  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What is cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST)?

What is the anatomy of the cavernous sinuses?

How does infection spread to the cavernous sinuses?

Which arteries and nerves are involved in the cavernous sinuses?

Which anatomic features are relevant to the etiology of cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST)?

Which bacteria are the cause of most infections associated with cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST)?

How common is cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST)?

What are the mortality and morbidity of cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST)?

What are the age-related demographics for cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST)?

Presentation

What are the signs and symptoms of cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST)?

What causes the symptoms associated with cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST)?

What is the most common symptom of cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST)?

When do periorbital symptoms occur in cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST)?

Which condition has a similar presentation as cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST)?

What patient complaints are associated with cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST)?

What are the signs of treatment failure in cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST)?

What are the signs of cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST)?

What are the causes of cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST)?

DDX

What are the differential diagnoses for Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis?

Workup

What is the role of lab studies in the workup of cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST)?

Which imaging studies are indicated in the workup of cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST)?

What is the role of MRI in the workup of cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST)?

What is the role of CT scanning in the workup of cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST)?

What is the role of carotid angiography in the workup of cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST)?

What is the role of lumbar puncture (LP) in the workup of cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST)?

Treatment

What is the mainstay of therapy for cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST)?

What is in the recommended empiric antibiotic therapy for the treatment of cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST)?

How long should IV antibiotics be used in the treatment of cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST)?

Are anticoagulants indicated for the treatment of cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST)?

Are thrombolytics indicated for the treatment of cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST)?

What is the role of corticosteroids in the treatment of cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST)?

Is surgery indicated in the treatment of cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST)?

Which specialist consultations are indicated in the treatment of cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST)?

Medications

Which antibiotics are recommended for the treatment of cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST)?

Which medications in the drug class Corticosteroids are used in the treatment of Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis?

Which medications in the drug class Anticoagulants are used in the treatment of Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis?

Which medications in the drug class Antibiotic, Miscellaneous are used in the treatment of Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis?

Follow-up

Where should patients with cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) be treated?

How can cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) be prevented?

What are the complications of cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST)?

What is the mortality rate of cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST)?