The cure of cavernous sinus thrombophlebitis.

SUPPURATION in the adnexa of the eye is always serious, as we can never be sure that the seemingly harmless stye may not cause a retrobulbar phlegmon, and subsequently cavernous sinus thrombophlebitis may develop on account of the rich anastomoses between the two areas. Every ophthalmologist can remember more than one case in which it was impossible to save the patient' life. Until recently, the different antibodies, e.g., intravenous hexamethylenetetramine, trypaflavin, etc., have been of no avail, nor were the sulphonamides a success, so that we were absolutely helpless when faced -with this condition. The discovery of penicillin, however, has solved the problem, as it seems that the disease can be cured, if penicillin in adequate concentration can reach the infected areas by way of the spinal fluid. We know of so few cases reported in the literature that we feel justified in supposing that the therapy of this illness has not yet been standardized. I think it may be useful, therefore, to publish two cases which we were able to cure.