Which statement is NOT true regarding cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST)?

Cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) is a serious condition characterized by the formation of a clot in the cavernous sinus, which can be influenced by infections from various sources. The correct statement indicates that CST may occur as a result of inferior spread of odontogenic infection via a hematogenous route is NOT true.

Typically, the infections that lead to CST originate from the maxillary or mandibular regions, usually spreading through the venous connections inherent in the anatomy of the head and neck. The most common pathways involve the pterygoid plexus and emissary veins as a route for bacteria from the posterior maxilla, or via superficial veins such as the angular vein and ophthalmic veins, enabling bacterial spread from the anterior maxilla.

Infections spreading via a hematogenous route, which involves the bloodstream, does not correlate with a direct inferior spread from the odontogenic origin of these infections. It is more accurate to understand that CST results from retrograde venous spread directly from the site of infection rather than through a hematogenous pathway from below. This misinterpretation identifies the statement about inferior spread as incorrect. Understanding these pathways is essential for recognizing the risks associated with maxillary and mandibular infections and their potential systemic consequences.