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Mondini dysplasia as a cause for recurrent bacterial meningitis: an early diagnosis
Shobi Anandi1, Milind S Tullu, Sonal Bhatia
1Department of Pediatrics, Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College & King Edward Memorial Hospital, Mumbai 400012, Maharashtra, India.
Abstract:
Mondini dysplasia is a rare but an important cause for recurrent pyogenic meningitis in children and requires a high index of clinical suspicion for early diagnosis. We present the case of a 7-year-old boy, who presented with 2 episodes of pyogenic meningitis within a span of 1 month. There was no obvious history of hearing abnormalities, but pure tone audiometry suggested profound mixed hearing loss in the left ear. High-resolution computed tomographic scan and magnetic resonance imaging of temporal bones confirmed the diagnosis of Mondini dysplasia in the left ear. Computed tomographic cisternography failed to demonstrate any obvious cerebrospinal fluid leak. The child was managed conservatively and has been asymptomatic since then. Thus, in our patient, Mondini dysplasia as a cause for recurrent pyogenic meningitis was diagnosed (early) during the second episode of meningitis. The need for an early diagnosis of Mondini dysplasia has been stressed in this report.
Insights
Mondini dysplasia, a rare inner ear malformation, can cause recurrent pyogenic meningitis in children. Early diagnosis is crucial, as demonstrated by this case of a boy with hearing loss and meningitis.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Neurology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Recurrent pyogenic meningitis in children necessitates identifying underlying causes.
- Mondini dysplasia is a congenital inner ear anomaly that can predispose to meningitis.
- A high index of clinical suspicion is vital for early diagnosis.
Observation:
- A 7-year-old boy experienced two episodes of pyogenic meningitis within one month.
- Audiometry revealed profound mixed hearing loss in the left ear.
- Imaging confirmed Mondini dysplasia of the left temporal bone.
Findings:
- Mondini dysplasia was diagnosed as the cause of recurrent meningitis in this pediatric patient.
- No cerebrospinal fluid leak was identified via computed tomographic cisternography.
- Conservative management led to the child remaining asymptomatic.
Implications:
- This case highlights Mondini dysplasia as a treatable cause of recurrent pediatric meningitis.
- Early identification of inner ear malformations is essential for preventing recurrent meningitis.
- Prompt diagnosis and management can improve outcomes for affected children.
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