Cavernous sinus thrombosis as a fatal complication of a dental abscess : a case report

Abstract EN

Intracranial complications of dental abscesses are very rare, but could be fatal.

The prognosis from this condition has improved with the advent of antibiotics.

Here we present a case of cavernous sinus thrombosis as a complication of a dental abscess in a seven-year-old Liberian male child.

The child presented with fever, inability to walk, severe bilateral exophthalmos, ophthalmoplegia, chemosis, proptosis, neck rigidity, reduced level of consciousness, and facial swelling with a history of a dental abscess of one-week duration.

Cavernous sinus thrombosis was diagnosed clinically.

A heavy dose of antibiotics was started immediately, in addition to steroids and anticoagulants.

Unfortunately, the patient died a few days later.

In this report we wish to stress the seriousness of the intracranial complications of dental abscesses and to familiarize dentists with the clinical picture of this life threatening condition.