Refractory cavernous sinus thrombophlebitis complicated by brain abscess and infectious hydrocephalus: a case report and literature review

Cavernous sinus thrombophlebitis (CST) is a rare, life-threatening infection. Its management becomes exceptionally challenging when complicated by intracranial abscesses, hydrocephalus, and multidrug-resistant pathogens such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). A 52-year-old woman with poorly controlled diabetes presented with headache, eye pain, diplopia, fever, and progressive ocular symptoms. Outpatient ceftriaxone and subsequent ertapenem were ineffective. Neuroimaging conf