Encephalic complications of sinusitis: Series of 11 cases

Abstract

Introduction
The encephalic complications of sinusitis have been exceptional since the advent of antibiotics, but extremely serious given the proximity of the brain. Despite the popularization of antibiotic therapy, post-sinus encephalic complications occur in a context of untreated chronic sinusitis. We report a series of cases observed at Yaoundé General Hospital.
Methods
We report a series of eleven patients hospitalized for infection secondary to sinusitis at Yaoundé General Hospital between 2015 to 2017. The objective of this descriptive and prospective work was to report the clinical, paraclinical and evolutionary aspects of encephalic complications due to infectious sinusitis observed in our context.
Results
Our series included 11 patients. All had performed brain imaging (CT scan or magnetic resonance imaging) which revealed 5 cases of brain abscesses, subdural and interhemispheric empyemas, 2 cases of cerebral venous thrombosis and 2 cases of diffuse encephalitis. All of our patients had a negative HIV serology. The outcome was favorable for 8 patients, but we observed 3 postoperative deaths. Among the cured patients, 4 of them presented with motor sequelae.
Conclusion
The encephalic complications of sinusitis, although exceptional, are fatal. The earliest possible diagnosis associated with adequate management and follow-up allows a favorable outcome.