PAINFUL OPHTHALMOPLEGIA DUE TO CHRONIC SP HENOID SINUSITIS - FINDINGSIN CT AND MRI

Sphenoid sinusitis is a rare, often misdiagnosed, potentially lifethre atening infection. We report two cases of chronic sphenoid sinusitis p resenting as painful ophthalmoplegia. We emphasize the difficulty of t he diagnosis due to the deep-seated position of the cavity. The availa bility of CT and MRI should allow an early diagnosis. Attention has to be paid to the sphenoid sinus on every cranial image. In the chronic as well as in the acute form, the treatment is an emergency. Surgery p rocedures should be considered when antibiotics are inefficient. Sphen oid sinusitis must be considered in the diagnosis of painful ophthalmo plegia.