Otitic hydrocephalus secondary to lateral sinus thrombosis in children: A case report and literature review

Abstract

Lateral sinus thrombosis (LST) is a potentially life threatening complication of acute otitis media. However, report rates have been decreasing since the spreaded use of antibiotic prescription. Patient developing LST usually complain about fever, headache and ear pain. Consequently, they may develop vomiting, papilledema and unhealthy- ness. Magnetic resonance venography (MRV) is considered the gold standard for LST diagnosis. Management procedures include parenteral antibiotics, myringotomy with tympanostomy tube and mastoidectomy, associated or not with anticoagulant therapy. The present study reports the case of a 9-year-old male referred to the Hospital Carlos Van Buren diagnosed with an otitic hydrocephalus secondary to lateral sinus thrombosis, managed with intravenous antibiotic therapy, simple mastoidectomy, myringotomy with tympanostomy tube placement and anticoagulation. Favorable clinical and imagenologic outcomes were obtained. We provide a brief summary about clinical features, diagnosis and management of the LST in children as a complication of acute otitis media.