[Maxillary and sphenoid sinusitis complicated by acute inflammatory optic neuritis in a 12-year-old patient]

Arch Pediatr. 2005 Jan;12(1):46-8. doi: 10.1016/j.arcped.2004.09.009.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Acute inflammatory optic neuritis (retrobulbar optic neuritis) is an uncommon but described complication of acute sinusitis. It is due to a close anatomic relationship between the sinus and the optic nerve. Inflammatory mechanism is dominant with a possible bilateral neuritis, especially among children. In the reported case, as usual in childhood, visual acuity loss has been particularly severe, and recovery slow (it takes usually 6 weeks) but almost complete. Primary treatment is medical, with antibiotics and corticosteroids that must be prescribed for a prolonged time.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Maxillary Sinusitis / complications*
  • Optic Neuritis / etiology*
  • Sphenoid Sinusitis / complications*