Abstract

Despite improvements in antibiotic therapies and surgical techniques, sinusitis still carries a risk of serious and potentially fatal complications. Especially, orbital and intracranial complications can cause a high rate of mortality and morbidity. We describe our experience in managing two children with sinusitis who were admitted with life-threatening complications. One case presented with complete blindness due to optic neuritis as a complication of bilateral sphenoidal and left ethmoidal sinusitis. The other case was admitted with loss of consciousness due to intracranial abscess as a consequence of pansinusitis. In conclusion, serious and life-threatening complications are uncommon in sinusitis. However, a high index of suspicion, accurate diagnosis, and rapid intervention by medical and/or surgical methods could prevent severe complications.