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Published on: February 29, 2020
[Otogenic cerebellar abscess - two case histories]
A Garayev1, A Talyshinskiy, J Büntzel
1Klinik für HNO-Erkrankungen, Kopf-Hals-Chirurgie am Südharz-Krankenhaus Nordhausen. hno@shk-ndh.de
Objective:
The otogenic brain abscess remains a serious intracranial complication of otitis media despite advantages in diagnostics and antibiotic treatment during the last decades. We discuss the clinical picture and the possible ways of treatment by the example of two case histories.
Case Histories:
Case 1: We report about a 38-year-old man, who was suffering in cholsteatoma since 30 years. The surgical revision was restricted by the patient since this time. The acute symptoms of meningitis were caused by intracranial involvement and cerebellar abscess due to cholesteatoma. After surgical revision we observed a period of clinical improvement. A repeated surgery became necessary because of renewed brain abscess at the cerebellar region five weeks after primary operation. Case 2: A 6-year-old girl was already treated with antibiotics because of subacute mastoiditis since three weeks. She was entering the ENT department because of headache and otorrhoea. During mastoidectomy the bone destruction leads to a cerebellar abscess. The neurological symptoms were regredient immediately after the surgical revision.
Conclusion:
Both case histories underline the importance of cerebellar abscess as an intracranial complication of chronic otitis media. The neurologic symptoms and the CT-scan were essential for the exact diagnosis. The following treatment includes the surgical revision of the middle ear, the abscess-drainage as well as the lavage of the cavity with antibiotics.
Insights
Otogenic brain abscesses, a severe complication of chronic otitis media, require prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention. These case studies highlight the critical role of neuroimaging and surgical management in treating cerebellar abscesses.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurosurgery
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Otogenic brain abscesses are serious intracranial complications of otitis media.
- Despite advances in diagnostics and antibiotics, they remain a significant clinical challenge.
Observation:
- Two cases illustrate cerebellar abscesses secondary to chronic otitis media and cholesteatoma.
- Case 1: A 38-year-old male with a history of cholesteatoma developed a cerebellar abscess requiring two surgical interventions.
- Case 2: A 6-year-old female with subacute mastoiditis developed a cerebellar abscess during mastoidectomy, with rapid neurological improvement post-surgery.
Findings:
- Cerebellar abscesses are crucial intracranial complications of chronic otitis media.
- Neurological symptoms and CT scans are vital for accurate diagnosis.
- Effective treatment involves surgical revision, abscess drainage, and antibiotic lavage.
Implications:
- These cases underscore the importance of vigilant diagnosis and timely surgical management for otogenic brain abscesses.
- Early detection and intervention can lead to favorable patient outcomes.
- Integrated otologic and neurosurgical approaches are essential for managing these complex cases.
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