Sphenoid sinusitis can result in transient or permanent blindness.
Features:
(1) infection in the sphenoid sinus or sphenoethmoidal cell
(2) sudden onset of visual loss in one or both eyes
(3) variable lid edema, chemosis or ophthalmoplegia
(4) pain may or may not present
(5) variable headache
Mechanism:
(1) pressure on the optic nerve
(2) ischemia of the optic nerve
Risk factors for a poor outcome:
(1) delay in diagnosis
(2) immunocompromised patient
(3) fulminant infection
(4) delay in appropriate therapy (endoscopic sphenoidotomy, antibiotics)
(5) bony dehiscence of the sphenoid sinus
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
Specialty: Ophthalmology, Infectious Diseases
