Sphenoethmoid sinusitis in a child resulting in a disastrous intracranial sequela

October 31, 2012 by Aye Jane Sow, MS(ORL-HNS); Jeevanan Jahendran, MS(ORL-HNS); Charng Jeng Toh, MS(Neurosurg); Thean Yean Kew, FRCR
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Abstract

Localized sphenoethmoid sinusitis in children is a rare occurrence. It is usually overlooked because of the misconception that the sinuses are not developed. We describe a case of localized acute sphenoid and right posterior ethmoid sinusitis that presented as right frontobasal subdural empyema and multiple deep cerebral abscesses. Morbidity from subdural empyema in children is high. Early diagnosis and treatment based on recognition that the etiology might involve the paranasal sinuses affects the overall prognosis.

IntroductionIsolated sphenoethmoid sinusitis in the general population, including the pediatric population, is rare. Obviously, cases of isolated sphenoethmoid sinusitis in children that result in a brain abscess are even more rare. We report such a case in a child that had devastating consequences.

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