• Jae-Myung Kim, Kyung Wook Kang, Hyunsoo Kim, Seung-Han Lee, Tae-Sun Kim, and Man-Seok Park.
• Department of Neurology, Chonnam National University Medical School & Hospital, Gwangju, South Korea.
• Medicine (Baltimore). 2022 Mar 11; 101 (10): e29057e29057.

RationaleSeptic cavernous sinus thrombosis (SCST) is a rare but life-threatening condition that commonly arises from infections, including paranasal sinusitis, otitis media, and skin infection. Meanwhile, head trauma as a predisposing factor of SCST has been scarcely reported. We report a case of SCST complicated by meningitis after minor head trauma, even in the absence of identifiable fractures.Patient Concerns And DiagnosisA 77-year-old female presented with diplopia combined with ocular pain and headache lasting a week. She had a recent blunt head trauma 2 weeks before the diplopia onset. The trauma was not accompanied by identifiable skull fractures, bleeding, or loss of consciousness. Neurological examination revealed incomplete ptosis, eyelid swelling, and medial and vertical gaze limitations of both eyes. Gadolinium-enhanced brain magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated multifocal thrombotic filling defects, including those of the cavernous sinus, sinusitis involving the sphenoid and ethmoid sinuses, and otomastoiditis. The cerebrospinal fluid assay result was compatible with bacterial meningitis. A tentative diagnosis of SCST complicated by bacterial meningitis and multifocal cerebral venous thrombosis was made based on clinical, laboratory, and neuroradiologic findings.InterventionIntravenous triple antibiotic therapy (vancomycin, ceftriaxone, and ampicillin) for 2 weeks combined with methylprednisolone (1 g/d for 5 days) was administered. Despite the initial treatment, carotid-cavernous fistula was newly developed during hospitalization. Therefore, coil embolization was performed successfully for the treatment of carotid-cavernous fistula.OutcomesThe symptoms of the patient including diplopia gradually improved during the 8-month follow-up period.LessonsMinor head trauma is a rare but possible cause of SCST. Early recognition and prompt treatment are essential for improving outcomes. Moreover, close observation is warranted, even if apparent serious complications were absent during initial evaluations in minor head trauma.Copyright © 2022 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

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