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Intracranial complications of acute otitis media and Gradenigo's syndrome

C Colpaert1, V Van Rompaey, O Vanderveken

  • 1Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium.

B-ENT
|August 6, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Acute otitis media can lead to severe intracranial complications like epidural empyema and sinus thrombosis. Prompt surgical intervention and prolonged antibiotic therapy are crucial for recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Acute otitis media is a common childhood infection.
  • Intracranial complications of otitis media were historically frequent before widespread antibiotic use.

Observation:

  • A 12-year-old girl presented with acute otitis media complicated by acute mastoiditis.
  • She developed epidural empyema, sigmoid sinus thrombosis, and abducens nerve paralysis.

Findings:

  • Surgical mastoidectomy and epidural empyema drainage were performed.
  • The patient received 6 weeks of intravenous antibiotics and 12 weeks of anticoagulation.

Implications:

  • This case highlights rare but serious intracranial complications of acute otitis media.
  • It underscores the importance of vigilant management and the historical impact of antibiotics in reducing such severe outcomes.

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