Isolated septic non-otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis complicating nasopharyngitis in a 2-month-old infant: a case report

Nasopharyngeal infections are among the commonest diagnosed infections in infants. Largely treated supportively, these infections are considered harmless. These can however lead to serious complications from local spread and septicemia. With local extension, inflammatory neck masses (abscesses) can swiftly lead to life-threatening complications including mediastinitis, airway compromise and sinovenous thrombosis. Here, we report a 2-month-old infant with initial rhinopharyngitis and subsequent extensive deep neck abscesses with consequent dural sinus thrombosis successfully managed with antibiotics, anticoagulants and drainage. While such cases have been presented before, it is the pathophysiology and extent of sinus thrombosis in our case that is eccentric.