Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 23, 2026

Intrathecal Application of a Fluorescent Dye for the Identification of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks in Cochlear Malformation
06:59

Intrathecal Application of a Fluorescent Dye for the Identification of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks in Cochlear Malformation

Published on: February 29, 2020

Recurrent meningitis in an adult secondary to an inner ear malformation: imaging demonstration

Nisar Ahmad Wani1, Aijaz Rawa, Umar Qureshi

  • 1Department of Radiodiagnosis and Imaging, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Kashmir, India. ahmad77chinar@hotmail.com

Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal
|April 24, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Congenital inner ear malformations can cause cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, leading to recurrent meningitis. This case highlights a rare adult presentation of translabyrinthine CSF fistula with sensorineural hearing loss.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Otolaryngology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Congenital labyrinthine dysplasia can present as a cause of recurrent meningitis.
  • This condition typically affects children but can occur in adults.
  • Sensorineural hearing loss and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) discharge are common symptoms.

Observation:

  • A 30-year-old man experienced recurrent pneumococcal meningitis, chronic clear nasal discharge, and sensorineural hearing loss.
  • Imaging revealed a cystic cochleovestibular malformation (incomplete partition type I) in the right inner ear.
  • An absent cochlear basal turn and defective cribriform membrane at the internal auditory canal were noted, with middle ear fluid suggesting a CSF fistula.

Findings:

  • Multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) and MRI confirmed a translabyrinthine CSF fistula.
  • The inner ear malformation was identified as an incomplete partition type I.
  • Abnormalities in the cochlea and internal auditory canal were consistent with the fistula.

Implications:

  • This case expands the known age range for translabyrinthine CSF fistulas.
  • Early diagnosis through advanced imaging (MDCT and MRI) is crucial for managing recurrent meningitis.
  • Understanding these congenital malformations aids in surgical planning and patient outcomes.

More Related Videos

Surgical Treatment of an Endolymphatic Sac Tumor04:34

Surgical Treatment of an Endolymphatic Sac Tumor

Published on: May 26, 2023

In Vivo Morphometric Analysis of Human Cranial Nerves Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Menière's Disease Ears and Normal Hearing Ears10:27

In Vivo Morphometric Analysis of Human Cranial Nerves Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Menière's Disease Ears and Normal Hearing Ears

Published on: February 21, 2018

Related Concept Videos

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,...
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...
Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
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...