Which clinical sign would most suggest that a patient has cavernous sinus thrombosis?

Cavernous sinus thrombosis compromises cranial nerves III, IV, and VI passing through the sinus, producing ophthalmoplegia (impaired eye movement), proptosis, ptosis, periorbital edema, and possibly fever and altered consciousness.Other options: Isolated lymphadenopathy and nasal congestion are nonspecific; isolated facial weakness suggests facial nerve (CN VII) pathology, which is not the hallmark of cavernous sinus thrombosis.Key exam takeaway: Cavernous sinus thrombosis = painful ophthalmoplegia, proptosis, periorbital edema, often from spreading facial/dental infection (danger triangle).