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Published on: February 29, 2020
Subtle imaging signs of sigmoid sinus thrombosis in otitis media ("otitic hydrocephalus")
Alejandra M Maiz1, Emily Chang1, Tatiana K Deveney1
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
Insights
A young boy
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Otitis media and mastoiditis can lead to serious intracranial complications.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for timely and effective treatment.
Observation:
- A 3-year-old boy presented with symptoms including papilledema and sixth nerve palsy.
- Initial diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension was questioned due to the patient's age.
Findings:
- Multisequence imaging revealed abnormalities consistent with otitic hydrocephalus.
- This diagnosis emerged after reevaluation integrating clinical data and imaging.
Implications:
- Prompt treatment of otitic hydrocephalus is essential to prevent severe neurological sequelae.
- Highlights the importance of considering otitic hydrocephalus in pediatric intracranial hypertension evaluations.
Abstract:
A 3-year-old boy developed otitis media, mastoiditis, papilledema, sixth nerve palsy, and increased intracranial pressure. The initial diagnosis was idiopathic intracranial hypertension, but doubt about that diagnosis at such a young age led to imaging reevaluation. When the abnormalities from multiple pulse sequences were aggregated with this clinical input, the correct diagnosis of otitic hydrocephalus emerged, allowing prompt implementation of appropriate treatment to avoid the risk of venous stroke.
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