International Journal of Medical Students (Mar 2023)

Hypercoagulability and Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis due to Protein C Deficiency. A Case Report

  • Wilson S. Peñafiel-Pallares,
  • Camila Brito-Balanzátegui,
  • Jaime David Acosta-España

DOI
https://doi.org/10.5195/ijms.2023.1660
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11, no. 1

Abstract

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Background: Thrombophilia due to Protein C deficiency is a rare condition, present in 0.2% of general population. Cerebral venous thrombosis has an incidence of 3-4 cases per million in adults. A combination of both is very uncommon. Patients with these conditions are prone to life-threatening superinfections. Case: A 51-year-old woman presented with pressing frontal headache accompanied with left periorbital edema, fever, diplopia, and disorientation. Laboratory findings showed low protein C levels. Computed tomography demonstrated sphenoidal rhinosinusitis. Magnetic resonance venography revealed cavernous sinus thrombosis. The patient was started on empiric antibiotic treatment (vancomycin, ceftriaxone, and metronidazole) and anticoagulants. Conclusion: This case report emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate management of patients with protein C deficiency complicated by septic cavernous sinus thrombosis. Background: Thrombophilia due to Protein C deficiency is a rare condition, present in 0.2% of general population. Cerebral venous thrombosis has an incidence of 3-4 cases per million in adults. A combination of both is very uncommon. Patients with these conditions are prone to life-threatening superinfections. Case: A 51-year-old woman presented with pressing frontal headache accompanied with left periorbital edema, fever, diplopia, and disorientation. Laboratory findings showed low protein C levels. Computed tomography demonstrated sphenoidal rhinosinusitis. Magnetic resonance venography revealed cavernous sinus thrombosis. The patient was started on empiric antibiotic treatment (vancomycin, ceftriaxone, and metronidazole) and anticoagulants. Conclusion: This case report emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate management of patients with protein C deficiency complicated by septic cavernous sinus thrombosis.

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