Acute Isolated Sphenoid Sinusitis in Recurrent Retropharyngeal Abscess

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Mohd Faez Salleh
Aizuddin Jamali
Sakinah Mohamad
Intan Kartika Kamarudin
Norasnieda Md Shukri

Abstract

Isolated sphenoid sinusitis is uncommon, reported in less than 3% of all cases of sinusitis. Retropharyngeal abscess is treatable but poses risks of complicated infection to the surrounding structures, albeit unlikely, even into the sphenoid sinus. We present the case of a 75-year-old male with a history of left retropharyngeal abscess five months ago, who presented again with persistent left-sided headache, not resolving with analgesic. Computed tomography showed features of recurrent retropharyngeal abscess with lytic bone erosion of the sphenoid floor and the presence of collection within. The patient has fully recovered after undergoing drainage of the retropharyngeal abscess and sphenoidotomy. This is the first reported case of a direct extension of retropharyngeal abscess causing isolated sphenoid sinusitis.

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How to Cite
Mohd Faez Salleh, Jamali, A., Mohamad, S., Kamarudin, I. K., & Md Shukri, N. (2025). Acute Isolated Sphenoid Sinusitis in Recurrent Retropharyngeal Abscess. Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 21(5), 445–447. https://doi.org/10.47836/mjmhs.21.5.53
Section
Case Report

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