Abstract
Objectives The aim of the study is to review the articles published in the last 10 years on
Tolosa-Hunt syndrome (THS) in childhood and adolescence to learn about its clinical
and epidemiological characteristics and its therapeutic management.
Methods Based on the literature search in the major medical databases and using the descriptors
“Tolosa-Hunt syndrome and children” and “Tolosa-Hunt syndrome and adolescent” we included
articles published between 2009 and 2019. We found 51 articles, but only 11 met the
inclusion criteria.
Results There were eight women and four men with THS, whose average age was 12.0 ± 4.3 years,
ranging from 4 to 17 years. Magnetic resonance imaging showed inflammation in the
cavernous sinus (100%), orbit (25%), and superior orbital fissure (8.3%), unilateral
in all patients. The internal carotid artery (58.3%), third (66.7%), sixth (33.3%),
and fourth (25%) cranial nerves were injured. Headache was located in the orbital
region, ipsilaterally to nerve involvement and had mild to severe intensity. Corticosteroid
was the treatment used in 91.7% of the patients. They were followed for an average
of 13.4 ± 12.4 months. Only two patients had recurrence of the disease.
Conclusion THS is infrequent in childhood and adolescence and knowledge of its clinical and
epidemiological characteristics and its therapeutic management is necessary for pediatricians.
Keywords
Tolosa-Hunt syndrome - cavernous sinus - cranial nerves - childhood - adolescence
