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Case Reports
. 2023 May;39(5):1357-1360.
doi: 10.1007/s00381-022-05820-0. Epub 2023 Jan 27.

A rare case of headache in a 4-year-old child: sphenoiditis

Walid Bijou  1 , Youssef Oukessou  2 , Ibtissam Larhrabli  2 , Sami Rouadi  2 , Reda Abada  2 , Mohammed Mahtar  2
Affiliations
Case Reports

A rare case of headache in a 4-year-old child: sphenoiditis

Walid Bijou et al. Childs Nerv Syst. 2023 May.

Abstract

Background: Isolated sphenoidal sinusitis is an uncommon cause of headaches in children and adolescents. Recognizing the condition on physical examination alone can be challenging, and delayed diagnosis often occurs.

Case presentation: A 4-year-old child presented with symptoms of headache, fever, and vomiting. Nasal endoscopy, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used to confirm the diagnosis of isolated sphenoiditis. The patient was treated with antibiotics and steroids. However, the patient developed meningoencephalitis as a complication of the untreated isolated sphenoiditis.

Conclusion: Isolated sphenoidal sinusitis can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Adjunctive imaging and prompt treatment are essential to prevent such complications in children and adolescents. This case highlights the importance of considering isolated sphenoiditis in the differential diagnosis of pediatric headaches and the need for early diagnosis and treatment.

Keywords: Child; Complication; Headache; Sinusitis; Sphenoid sinusitis.

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