Central Skull Base Osteomyelitis: A Case Series from a Tertiary Care Center Over 5 Years

Skull base osteomyelitis may rarely present in the sphenoid bone or clivus without an otologic source. This is referred to as central skull base osteomyelitis (CSBO). Knowledge regarding CSBO is limited to case reports and small case series. Here we present a case series to further describe typical patient characteristics, clinical presentation, and clinical course associated with this rare infection.

All patients treated at a single academic tertiary care institution for CSBO from 2016 through 2020 were identified. Inclusion criteria included culture proven CSBO without an otologic or iatrogenic source. Data were extracted via patient chart review and qualitatively analyzed.

Seven patients were identified with CSBO, 5 male and 2 female. Age ranged from 63 to 87 (average 76). Risk factors included advanced age, diabetes, and history of radiation. The most common presenting symptom was headache (6), followed by otalgia (4). Two patients presented with cranial neuropathies. Diagnosis was facilitated by history and exam (including flexible laryngoscope exam), imaging (MRI), and labs (ESR). All patients received endoscopic biopsy and culture (most commonly polymicrobial, with diverse species). Treatment involved IV antibiotics, with a limited role for surgery. All patients survived and achieved resolution of infection.

CSBO remains a diagnostic challenge due to its rarity and vague presenting symptoms that overlap with presentation of sinonasal malignancies. A high index of suspicion is required by the evaluating provider to ensure a timely diagnosis with early treatment in order to limit the significant morbidity which can be associated with this infection.

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