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The vein of Labbe masquerading as an epidural abscess
1Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel. kraysm@bezeqint.net
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology
|May 15, 2007
Summary
The occipitotemporal vein, or vein of Labbe, can mimic an abscess on CT scans. Recognizing this vascular variant is crucial for accurate diagnosis in pediatric mastoiditis cases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Vascular Anatomy
- Pediatric Radiology
Background:
- The occipitotemporal vein (OTV), also known as the vein of Labbe, is a venous structure that courses over the temporal lobe.
- It connects the superficial middle cerebral vein to the transverse sinus.
- The OTV is often difficult to visualize on standard computed tomography (CT) scans due to its small size.
Observation:
- A 12-month-old male presented with acute coalescent mastoiditis and a subperiosteal abscess.
- Pre-operative CT scan suggested an epidural abscess.
- Intraoperative findings revealed no epidural abscess.
Findings:
- The suspected epidural abscess on CT was determined to be a misdiagnosis.
- The misdiagnosis was attributed to the occipitotemporal vein (vein of Labbe) presenting as an apparent abscess.
- This vascular variant mimicked a pathological collection on the CT scan.
Implications:
- Accurate identification of the vein of Labbe on CT scans is essential.
- Recognition prevents misdiagnosis of serious conditions like epidural abscesses.
- This knowledge aids appropriate management of otological and neurotological diseases in children.
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