[A case of pseudo Tolosa-Hunt syndrome with bacterial infection and literature review].

Abstract

We report a case with recurrent orbital pain and unilateral cranial nerve paresis mimicking Tolosa-Hunt syndrome. However, these features were most likely caused by bacterial infection because of beneficial response to antibiotics therapy. A 32-year-old man developed severe right orbital pain and diplopia. Neurological examination revealed right oculomotor paresis and 1st division of the right trigeminal nerve dysfunction. MR imaging revealed thickness of right cavernous sinus region with marked gadolinium enhancement. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination was initially normal. Treatment with steroid showed marked improvement. However soon after tapering of steroid dosage, his symptoms recurred and deteriorated. He was referred to our hospital because of second opinion. Neurological examination still showed right oculomotor paresis and 1st division of the right trigeminal nerve dysfunction with orbital and retro-orbital pain. Re-examination of CSF showed pleocytosis with neutrocytes dominancy and elevated protein concentration. Intravenous treatment with penicillin was initiated with marked improvement. There have been reported cases with bacterial infection resulting pseudo Tolosa-Hunt syndrome, which have good response to antibiotics treatment with excellent prognosis. It is speculated that bacterial infection might cause clinical features mimicking Tolosa-Hunt syndrome in our case.

• Authors: Nobuhiro Saitoh, Yoshio Tsuboi, Fujio Fujiki, Tatsuo Yamada
• Journal: No to shinkei = Brain and nerve (No To Shinkei) Vol. 57 Issue 12 Pg. 1079-82 (Dec 2005) ISSN: 0006-8969 [Print] Japan
• PMID: 16375193 (Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Bacterial Agents
• Ampicillin

Topics

• Adult
• Ampicillin (administration & dosage)
• Anti-Bacterial Agents (administration & dosage)
• Bacterial Infections (complications, drug therapy)
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Humans
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Male
• Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome (diagnosis)