Gradenigo's syndrome: a case-report

Abstract

Acute otitis media is the most common bacterial infection in children. Despite efficient antibiotic therapy, there are still reports of both intratemporal and intracranial complications with potential risk of high morbidity and mortality. Mastoiditis, apical petrositis and labyrinthitis are caused by the extension of purulent middle ear infection into nearby structures. Giuseppe Gradenigo first described the clinical triad of acute otitis media, unilateral pain in the region innervated by the 1 masculine and 2 masculine branches of the trigeminal nerve and ipsilateral abducens nerve paralysis. This is a serious but rare complication of middle ear infection that should be suspected in every patient with unilateral headache and abducens nerve palsy. We report a case of Gradenigo's syndrome in a 6-year-old boy.