Tolosa-Hunt syndrome: an arcane pathology of cavernous venous sinus
Recommended Citation
Arshad A, Nabi S, Panhwar MS, Rahil A. Tolosa-Hunt syndrome: an arcane pathology of cavernous venous sinus. BMJ Case Rep. 2015 Aug 20;2015. pii: bcr2015210646.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
8-20-2015
Publication Title
BMJ Case Rep
Abstract
Tolosa-Hunt syndrome, an idiopathic granulomatous inflammation of the cavernous sinus, is primarily a diagnosis of exclusion. The majority of patients present with unilateral orbital pain and features suggestive of paralysis of one or more of the cranial nerves passing through the cavernous sinus and/or superior orbital fissure. MRI of the head may show unilateral enhancement of the cavernous sinus and orbital apex. Treatment is with high-dose intravenous steroids followed by tapering oral steroids. Rapid amelioration of pain within 24-48 h supports this rare diagnosis. Resolution of neuropathies may take longer. We describe a case of a young man who presented with left periorbital pain, complete ophthalmoplaegia and ptosis of the left eye. MRI showed enhancement of the left cavernous sinus and orbital apex. High dose steroids led to complete resolution of pain, while ptosis and ophthalmoplaegia improved gradually.
Medical Subject Headings
Adult; Blepharoptosis; Cavernous Sinus; Cranial Nerves; Diagnosis, Differential; Facial Pain; Humans; Inflammation; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Ophthalmoplegia; Orbit; Steroids; Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome
PubMed ID
26294359
Volume
2015
First Page
bcr2015210646
