CAVERNOUS SINUS THROMBOSIS: ETIOLOGY, IMPORTANCE OF ANATOMY, CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS AND COMPLICATIONS – LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) is a rare vascular condition, frequently associated with orbital, paranasal and facial infections. Due to the anatomical complexity and rapid progression of the disease, early diagnosis is essential to avoid serious complications. This study aims to review the literature on the etiology, clinical manifestations, complications and importance of anatomical knowledge in the diagnosis and management of CST. For this, an integrative review of the literature was carried out, with a search in indexed databases, selecting relevant articles published BETWEEN 2000 and 2024 that address clinical, anatomical and therapeutic aspects of this pathology. The results show that CST has a predominantly infectious origin, with Staphylococcus aureus being the main etiological agent. The absence of valves in the emissary veins facilitates the spread of the infection to the cavernous sinus, leading to a clinical picture that begins with fever, headache and periorbital edema, and can progress to severe neurological deficits. Complications such as stroke, meningitis, and visual loss increase the mortality rate, making early diagnosis through imaging essential. Treatment involves intravenous antibiotic therapy, anticoagulation in selected cases, and occasionally surgical interventions. It is concluded that early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management are essential to reduce the morbidity and mortality of TSC. Detailed knowledge of the anatomy of the cavernous sinus is essential for effective treatment, and future research should focus on therapeutic advances and prevention strategies to improve clinical outcomes.