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European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology

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Open Access 01-09-2018 | Miscellaneous

Prognosis of septic cavernous sinus thrombosis remarkably improved: a case series of 12 patients and literature review

Authors: Nicolien A. van der Poel, Maarten P. Mourits, Maartje M. L. de Win, Jonathan M. Coutinho, Frederik G. Dikkers

Published in: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology | Issue 9/2018

Abstract

Purpose

Septic cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) is a rare complication of infections in the head and neck area. CST is notorious for its bad prognosis, with high mortality and morbidity rates described in literature. However, these rates are based on old series. We question whether the prognosis of CST is currently still as devastating. The primary purpose of this study is to assess the mortality and morbidity of CST.

Methods

Using the databases of all relevant specialties in our tertiary referral hospital, we collected all the patients treated for CST in the period 2005–2017. In addition, a PubMed search, using the mesh term ‘cavernous sinus thrombosis’, was performed.

Results

We found 12 patients with CST in the study period. Of the 12 patients, 11 survived and 9 recovered without any permanent deficits. Seven patients were treated with anticoagulation, and in none of the patients we saw hemorrhagic complications. In literature, older articles describe higher mortality rates (14–80%), but more recent articles report mortality and morbidity rates similar to our results.

Conclusions

The prognosis of CST nowadays is more favorable than previously described. Anticoagulation seems to be a safe addition to antibiotic and surgical treatment, at least in patients without central nervous system infection.

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Title: Prognosis of septic cavernous sinus thrombosis remarkably improved: a case series of 12 patients and literature review
Authors: Nicolien A. van der Poel
Maarten P. Mourits
Maartje M. L. de Win
Jonathan M. Coutinho
Frederik G. Dikkers
Publication date: 01-09-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology / Issue 9/2018
Print ISSN: 0937-4477
Electronic ISSN: 1434-4726
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-018-5062-9

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Prognosis of septic cavernous sinus thrombosis remarkably improved: a case series of 12 patients and literature review

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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