Pediatric trochleitis associated with paranasal sinusitis: a case report

BACKGROUND: Trochleitis is trochlear pain with evidence of inflammation in the trochlear area on radiologic examination. The etiology of trochleitis is mostly idiopathic. Secondary trochleitis is rare, and trochleitis associated with paranasal sinusitis in children has not yet been reported. CASE PRESENTATION: An 8-year-old boy presented with left periorbital pain for a week. His visual acuity and eye movement were normal. There was point tenderness on palpitation over the left trochlear region without swelling or redness. Orbital magnetic resonance imaging showed focal enhancement on the left trochlea and paranasal sinusitis on the left side. The patient’s symptoms and signs were completely resolved after empirical treatment for sinusitis. There was no need to inject a local steroid. CONCLUSION: Although rare, sinusitis should be considered when diagnosing and treating trochleitis in children with periorbital pain.