Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Intrathecal Application of a Fluorescent Dye for the Identification of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks in Cochlear Malformation
Published on: February 29, 2020
Morbid complications of otitic hydrocephalus
Vikram D Durairaj1, Bradley Andrews, Rumya R Rao
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado 80045-0510, USA. vikram.durairaj@uchsc.edu
Purpose:
To report two cases of otitic hydrocephalus with long-term complications.
Design:
Retrospective case reports.
Participants:
Two patients with otitic hydrocephalus with previously diagnosed otitis media.
Methods:
Review of clinical history, radiographic findings, medical and surgical management, and follow-up.
Results:
Two patients with previously diagnosed otitis media presented with otitic hydrocephalus. Both were found to have elevated opening pressures with lumbar puncture and radiographic evidence of sinus thrombosis. Although the patients received appropriate medical and surgical management, they both suffered long-term complications. Patient 1 is dependent on a ventriculoperitoneal shunt to control headaches and has required multiple shunt revisions. Patient 2 is dependent on a ventriculoperitoneal shunt to control headaches and has permanent decreased visual acuity and bilateral optic neuropathy. During her clinical course, she required an optic nerve sheath fenestration.
Conclusions:
Otitic hydrocephalus can result in permanent vision loss and chronic headaches requiring spinal fluid diversion. We report two cases with morbid complications. A collaborative effort from ophthalmologists, otolaryngologists, and neurosurgeons is recommended to achieve the best clinical outcome.
Related Concept Videos
Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction
Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology
Cytotoxic Edema: Pathophysiology
Cerebral Edema l: Introduction
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology
Glaucoma: Overview
