Related Experiment Videos
Lateral sinus thrombosis (a review of 45 cases)
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Congella, South Africa.
Abstract:
Forty-five cases of lateral sinus thrombosis were recorded in King Edward VIII Hospital from 1978 to 1984. Eighty-two per cent of the patients were under the age of 15 years. Associated complications recorded were: 9 patients with meningitis, 4 with posterior-fossa abscess, 1 patient suffering from posterior fossa empyema; 4 presented with facial palsy and 1 with tuberculous mastoiditis. Four deaths were recorded. Findings at mastoidectomy showed a prevalence of infective granulations (60 per cent) over cholesteatoma (40 per cent) as a cause of the extension of infection. The surgical protocol for the management of lateral sinus thrombosis was mastoidectomy, needling the sinus and removal of the thrombus, if necessary. Medical treatment consisted of Ampicillin and Metronidozol.
Insights
Lateral sinus thrombosis predominantly affects children under 15. Infective granulations, rather than cholesteatoma, were the main cause, necessitating mastoidectomy and antibiotics.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Lateral sinus thrombosis is a serious complication of middle ear infections.
- Pediatric cases are less common but carry significant morbidity and mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinical presentation, management, and outcomes of lateral sinus thrombosis.
- To identify the primary causes and complications associated with this condition in a pediatric-heavy population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series analysis of 45 patients diagnosed with lateral sinus thrombosis.
- Review of surgical findings (mastoidectomy) and medical treatment regimens.
Main Results:
- Eighty-two percent of patients were under 15 years old.
- Common complications included meningitis, posterior-fossa abscess, and facial palsy.
- Infective granulations (60%) were more prevalent than cholesteatoma (40%) as the source of infection.
- Four deaths were recorded.
Conclusions:
- Lateral sinus thrombosis is a significant concern in pediatric patients, often stemming from infective granulations.
- Mastoidectomy with sinus exploration and antibiotic therapy (Ampicillin, Metronidozol) formed the management protocol.