Suppurative sinusitis in critically ill patients: a case report and review of the literature.

Nosocomial sinusitis is occasionally overlooked as a source of sepsis in critically ill patients. Physical examination is usually unreliable and purulent nasal discharge is absent up to 73% of the time. Computed tomography scans of the sinuses and aspiration and culture of sinus fluid are the hallmark of diagnosis. Therapy consists of removal of tubes and packing, appropriate antibiotics, and drainage. Risk factors for nosocomial sinusitis include nasotracheal tubes, nasogastric tubes, prior steroid and antibiotic therapy, and facial fractures. This article reports a case of suppurative sinusitis following prolonged intubation and reviews the literature.