Cavernous Sinus Syndrome

Abstract

Cavernous sinus syndrome (CSS) is a condition characterized by multiple cranial nerve palsies manifesting with ophthalmoplegia, ptosis, and facial sensory loss due to involvement of adjacent cranial nerves. Tumors, trauma, and vascular, infectious, and noninfectious inflammatory disorders have all been described as causes. Lymphomas have been reported to involve the cavernous sinus, both as primary cavernous sinus lymphomas or as secondary lesions. Here, we describe the case of a 63-year-old-man with untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), diagnosed 4 years earlier, who presented with CSS. Our patient underwent standard chemotherapy, but he succumbed to infection during the neutropenic period.