Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2011 Nov;54(11):797-801. 10.3342/kjorl-hns.2011.54.11.797.

Two Cases of Intracranial Complications Associated with Chronic Silent Otitis Media in Immune-Competent Adults

• Lee JC
• Lee SR
• Lee SM
• Kwon JK

• KMID: 2277278
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3342/kjorl-hns.2011.54.11.797

Abstract

Chronic otitis media is defined as a condition associated with a perforation of the tympanic membrane with a history or existence of otorrhea. Chronic silent otitis media refers to chronic pathologic condition behind an intact tympanic membrane, which may be clinically undetected or undetectable. Because this chronic pathology is undetected, there is a lack of clinical treatment, which increases the risk of complications and sequelae. Otogenic intracranial complications in intact tympanic membrane are usually reported in pediatric patients with acute otitis media and are rare in immune-competent adult patients. We report two cases of immune-competent patients who suffered from intracranial complications of chronic silent otitis media, one leading to a lateral sinus thrombophlebitis and the other leading to meningitis.

Keyword

Otitis media; Lateral sinus thrombophlebitis; Meningitis

MeSH Terms

Adult
Humans
Lateral Sinus Thrombosis
Meningitis
Otitis
Otitis Media
Tympanic Membrane