Isolated sphenoidal sinusitis in children

Acute isolated infectious sphenoiditis is an uncommon, potentially dangerou s condition which is often misdiagnosed because of its nonspecific symptoms and paucity of clinical signs. We present eight children with isolated sph enoiditis who were managed in our medical centre during the last 2 years an d review the literature. All the patients were adolescents or pre-adolescen ts and all experienced moderate to severe refractory oppressive headache. F our had a history of sinusitis or allergic rhinitis. None had fever or any other directing clinical sign. Diagnosis was made by cranial computer tomog raphy. All were treated with antibiotics and recovered completely without i nfectious or neurological complications. Conclusion Acute isolated infectious sphenoiditis should be considered in, adolescents and pre-adolescents who present with constant moderate to sever e oppressive headache. Awareness of this entity will enable early diagnosis and initiation of antibiotic treatment which is essential to avoid complic ations and surgical intervention.