Chronic serous otitis media as a manifestation of temporal meningioma

S Keereweer1, R M Metselaar, R Dammers

  • 1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. s.keereweer@erasmusmc.nl

Insights

A rare cause of chronic otitis media was identified as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage due to a temporal bone meningioma. Surgical repair resolved the middle ear fluid, highlighting the importance of advanced imaging for resistant cases.

Area of Science:

  • Otorhinolaryngology
  • Neurology
  • Neurosurgery

Background:

  • Chronic serous otitis media commonly presents to otorhinolaryngologists.
  • Eustachian tube dysfunction, often due to rhinitis or nasopharyngeal tumors, is the usual cause.
  • This case involved chronic otitis media resistant to standard treatments.

Observation:

  • A patient with persistent middle ear effusion was evaluated.
  • Conventional therapies for otitis media were ineffective.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with gadolinium was performed.

Findings:

  • MRI revealed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage into the middle ear.
  • The leakage resulted from bone erosion caused by a temporal meningioma.
  • Histopathology confirmed the temporal bone meningioma.

Implications:

  • Temporal meningiomas can present atypically as chronic otitis media.
  • Advanced imaging like MRI is crucial for diagnosing rare causes of middle ear effusions.
  • Surgical intervention for CSF leaks can resolve resistant otitis media.

Related Concept Videos

Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...