Burkitt lymphoma presenting rapid progression from unilateral to bilateral cavernous sinus syndrome as the initial symptom

A 62-year-old woman experienced right cavernous sinus syndrome and developed left cavernous sinus syndrome after 2 weeks. Subsequently, the patient developed gingival swelling and biopsy was carried out. The patient was diagnosed as having Burkitt lymphoma with central nervous system and orbital infiltration. Chemotherapy resolved the eye movement disturbance, but the other symptoms persisted. Burkitt lymphomas that initially present with bilateral cavernous sinus syndrome are rare. However, we emphasize that the general clinician should be alerted to identify the possibility of lymphoma if clinical symptoms indicate rapid progression like from unilateral to bilateral cavernous sinus syndrome in 2 weeks.