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[Rapid recovery from optic papillitis secondary to oto-mastoiditis in pediatric age]
L Tucciarone1, S Anaclerio, A Tomassini
1Clinica Pediatrica, Policlinico Umberto I di Roma, Italia.
Insights
A 10-year-old boy experienced vision loss due to acute papillitis, linked to mastoiditis and sinusitis. Prompt steroid therapy led to a full recovery within 30 days, highlighting the importance of timely intervention.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Acute papillitis, inflammation of the optic nerve head, can have various causes.
- Mastoiditis and sinusitis are common infections that can potentially lead to complications in adjacent structures.
Observation:
- A 10-year-old boy presented with acute papillitis of the right optic nerve.
- Symptoms included painful ocular globe movement, unilateral amaurosis (vision loss), and papillary edema.
- Imaging confirmed a correlation between mastoiditis and sinusitis on the same side and the papillitis.
Findings:
- The study confirmed a direct link between ipsilateral mastoiditis and sinusitis and the development of acute papillitis.
- Cranial imaging ruled out intracranial tumors and contralateral optic nerve abnormalities.
- The patient received steroid therapy for the condition.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare but serious complication of pediatric mastoiditis and sinusitis.
- Early diagnosis and prompt steroid treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes in acute papillitis.
- Ophthalmologists and ENT specialists should consider infectious etiologies when evaluating optic nerve inflammation.
Abstract:
In this paper we report the case of an acute papillitis of the right optic nerve secundary to a mastoiditis and sinusitis of the same site in a 10-year old boy. At onset the child presented a painful movement of the ocular globe, monolateral amaurosis and papillary oedema. The exams have confirmed the correlation among mastoiditis, sinusitis and papillitis. At the same time, we were able to exclude the presence of endocranial tumours and alteration of the other side. The child underwent a steroid therapy with a complete recovery within 30 days.