Petrous Apicitis Research Articles

Indications and outcomes of subtotal petrosectomy: our experience and review of literature

BackgroundSubtotal petrosectomy (STP) has attracted massive interest over last two decades. The aim is to present our experience of this uncommon surgery. The indications, outcomes, and our variation in surgical technique would be presented and literature reviewed.MethodsA retrospective observational study of all patients who underwent STP at a tertiary care center in India was analyzed.ResultsA total of 9 ears (in 8 patients) underwent STP over last 5 years at our center. The pathological conditions for which STP was done included chronic otitis media squamous (four ears), middle ear tumors (three ears), petrous apicitis (one ear), and traumatic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) otorhinorrhea (one ear). The indication of STP included disease clearance (eight ears), unserviceable hearing (seven ears), hearing rehabilitation with otological implants (six ears), and intraoperative CSF gusher (one ear). Intraoperative indications included CSF gusher, large tegmen defect with erosion of apical turn of cochlea, and erosion of anterior bony wall of external auditory canal. The mean follow-up period was 36 months (range of 6 months to 60 months). None of the patients had any dehiscence of blind sac closure or secondary acquired cholesteatoma on imaging.ConclusionsSTP facilitates disease clearance by providing unmatchable exposure in difficult otological scenarios and additionally isolates middle ear cleft from external environment, thereby eliminating problems of mastoid cavity. Furthermore, it also prepares ear for second stage otological implants. It is a safe surgery with minimal complications.

SAT597 Pituitary Abscess Growing Serratia Marcescens With Associated Clivus Osteomyelitis

Abstract Disclosure: S. Brown: None. J. Milosavljevic: None. J. Chai: None. B.Y. Wong: None. Background: Pituitary abscesses are a rare etiology for pituitary lesions (0.2%-1.1%). Up to 60% of abscesses do not have an obvious source of infection. Pituitary abscesses can develop from the spread of local infection (usually the sphenoid sinus or cavernous sinus). Commonly isolated organisms of pituitary abscesses are gram positive cocci (Staphylococcus and Streptococcus) or gram negative bacilli (E. coli, Neisseria, and Corynebacterium). We present a case of a pituitary abscess growing Serratia marcescens with associated clivus osteomyelitis. Clinical Case: A 26-year-old woman with a history of recurrent left ear infections presented with right eye pain, sixth cranial nerve palsy and headaches. Brain MRI revealed 1.2 x 0.9 x 1.2 cm septated, cystic-appearing, rim-enhancing lesion originating from the sella, exerting mild pressure on the optic chiasm and infiltrating the right cavernous sinus. Contrast-enhanced CT scan revealed sclerotic and erosive changes concerning for clivus osteomyelitis and petrous apicitis. Hormonal evaluation demonstrated panhypopituitarism with undetectable cortisol (<1.0 µg/dL, n = 4-20 µg/dL), low ACTH (2.8 pg/mL, n = 7.2-63.3pg/mL), low-normal FT4 (0.6 ng/dL, n = 0.6-1.5ng/dL), low-normal TSH (0.32 µU/mL, n = 0.3-4.2µU/mL), undetectable estradiol (<25 pg/mL, n = 10-400pg/mL), low FSH (4.1 mIU/mL, n = <20 mIU/mL), low LH (0.5 mIU/mL, n = <10 mIU/mL), elevated prolactin (79 ng/mL, n<25ng/mL), and normal IGF-1 (192 ng/mL, n = 63-373ng/mL). Blood cultures, HIV testing, hepatitis serologies, Aspergillus galactomannan and cryptococcal antigen were negative. Replacement with hydrocortisone and levothyroxine was initiated, as well as empiric treatment with ceftriaxone, vancomycin, and metronidazole. Patient then underwent trans-sphenoidal evacuation of the sellar abscess. Specimen cultures grew Serratia marcescens. Post-operatively, she developed arginine vasopressin (AVP) deficiency and was started on desmopressin. Her symptoms and sixth nerve palsy resolved after surgery, and she was discharged with hormone replacements and a 6-week course of ceftriaxone. Conclusion: While other Enterobacteriaceae have previously been isolated from pituitary abscesses (including E. coli, Citrobacter, Salmonella, Proteus and Klebsiella), our case demonstrates, to the best of our knowledge, the first case of Serratia isolated from a pituitary abscess. Serratia is considered to be an opportunistic pathogen, although this patient had no identifiable risk factors for immunosuppression. Also, pituitary abscesses commonly spread from local infections. However, the source of infection in this case is likely the clivus osteomyelitis, which to the best of our knowledge, also has never been reported. In summary, this case differs from other reported cases due to the pituitary abscess growing Serratia with a potential source from the clivus osteomyelitis. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023

Abstract 13090: Not Your Simple Swimmer’s Ear: Ramsay Hunt Syndrome Complicated by Gradenigo Syndrome, Varicella Zoster Meningoencephalitis, and Superimposed Bacterial Necrotizing Otitis Externa in a Heart Transplant Patient on Chronic Immunosuppression

Introduction: Orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) increases the risks of varicella-zoster reactivation, and severe complications may arise due to infection in the setting of active immunosuppression. Complications include meningitis, facial nerve palsy (known as Ramsay Hunt Syndrome), and bacterial superinfection. When severe bacterial ear infections spread to the petrous apex, facial pain accompanied by otitis media and abducens nerve palsy may also occur, classically known as Gradenigo Syndrome. Case Report: We present a case of a patient 15 months post OHT who came in with left-sided facial droop and pain, abducens palsy, crusting facial rash, and ear swelling. Imaging revealed necrotizing otitis externa, with associated otitis media, petrous apicitis, and signs suggestive of encephalitis. A viral panel resulted positive for zoster infection, with superimposed methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus infection. Despite treatment with antibiotics and antivirals, the patient's mentation declined, with subsequent lumbar puncture revealing zoster meningoencephalitis. The patient’s mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) immunosuppression was suspended, and he was continued solely on therapeutic tacrolimus. His antiviral was switched to intravenous acyclovir and he was continued on six weeks of antibiotic therapy. The patient demonstrated resolution of his acute infection, however he continues to have residual facial and abducens nerve palsies. On discharge, the patient was resumed on MMF without any cardiac complications. Conclusions: This is the first documented case of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, complicated by Gradenigo Syndrome and varicella-zoster virus meningoencephalitis in an OHT recipient. Our patient's immunosuppression level was the most important factor leading to the concurrence of these novel complications. Physicians should consider and assess for symptoms of these potential sequelae in all transplant patients, and carefully manage immunosuppressive agents to allow for resolution of the infection, while avoiding rejection. While residual neurologic deficits may be challenging to manage, this case demonstrated successful treatment of these complications while avoiding significant cardiac sequelae.

Complicaciones de la otitis media con parálisis del sexto par craneal contralateral en pediatría

ResumenLa otitis media es una infección frecuente en la infancia, la cual puede producir complicaciones, incluidas las neurológicas graves, en cuatro de cada 100 niños en países en desarrollo.Se presenta el caso de una niña de nueve años sin antecedentes de enfermedad que consultó por otitis media derecha, otorrea, síndrome de hipertensión intracraneal y parálisis del VI nervio craneal contralateral a la lesión. La tomografía computarizada de cráneo y la resonancia magnética cerebral revelaron otomastoiditis crónica, apicitis petrosa, y trombosis de los senos transverso y sigmoide, el bulbo yugular y la vena yugular interna derecha. Recibió tratamiento antibiótico y quirúrgico.Este caso refleja el espectro de complicaciones intracraneales y extracraneales asociadas con la otitis media aguda en la era antibiótica. El examen físico permite la detección precoz de la hipertensión intracraneal, con signos como el papiledema y la parálisis del VI par contralateral como hallazgo inusual.

Petrous apicitis complicated by meningitis with intracranial air presenting as incomplete Gradenigo syndrome

Petrous apicitis complicated by meningitis with intracranial air presenting as incomplete Gradenigo syndrome

Gradenigo’s Syndrome and Bacterial Meningitis in a Patient with a Petrous Apex Cholesterol Granuloma

Gradenigo's syndrome (GS) classically involves a triad of ear pain due to acute or chronic otitis media (OM), facial or retro-orbital pain in the distribution of the trigeminal nerve, and an abducens nerve palsy. The simultaneous presentation of all three components has become less common in cases of GS reported in the literature, particularly in the era of antibiotics effective against typical organisms attributed to OM and petrous apicitis. In addition to infectious petrous apicitis arising directly from OM, more recent cases of GS are attributed to the compression of the same traversing cranial nerves in the presence of various expansile petrous apex (PA) lesions, both benign and malignant. We report a case of a 24-year-old male who presented initially with nausea, fever, photophobia, left-sided retro-orbital pain, and headache. He was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis by lumbar puncture and treated with empiric antibiotics, with CSF eventually revealing nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae. Several days into his course, he developed diplopia with leftward gaze. Brain imaging revealed an expansile, erosive PA cholesterol granuloma with associated contiguous dural and leptomeningeal enhancement. The patient improved with antibiotics and eventually underwent surgical intervention. This atypical presentation of GS with a rare complication of meningitis in the setting of a PA granuloma demonstrates the importance of early recognition of this syndrome, as well as consideration of added surgical intervention in patients with pre-existing petrous lesions at potentially higher risk of dangerous complications of GS.

Unilateral left lateral rectus palsy: A rare complication of acute otitis media

Petrous apicitis is an extension of infection from mastoid air cells into the petrous apex. The infection may also spread outside the petrous apex to affect the meninges causing meningitis, cranial nerve palsies, encephalitis, brain abscess, cavernous sinus thrombosis, and even death; however, these complications are rare. Only a few patients with petrous apicitis exhibit the complete triad described by Gradenigo comprising retro-orbital pain, sixth nerve palsy, and otorrhea. We present a rare case of petrositis with pachymeningitis with unilateral abducens nerve palsy following acute suppurative otitis media, which was successfully managed medically.

Headache in Petrous Apicitis: A Case Report of Chronic Migraine‐like Headache Due to Peripheral Pathology

To report a case of petrous apicitis that manifested as chronic migraine without aura and to discuss the pathophysiological mechanisms behind this presentation. Petrous apicitis is a rare complication of acute otitis media with varied clinical presentations that stem from the close proximity of the petrous apex to numerous neurovascular structures. Headache is among the common symptoms of petrous apicitis. A case of new onset headache in the setting of petrous apicitis with symptomatic response to antibiotic therapy was reported. We provided a brief review of peripheral pathophysiological mechanisms of migraine and correlated to mechanism of headache in petrous apicitis. A 65-year-old man with chronic otitis externa/media presented with ongoing headache fulfilling International Classification of Headache Disorders 3rd edition (ICHD-3) criteria for chronic migraine without aura that persisted despite undergoing right mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty with multiple courses of oral antibiotic therapy for his chronic otitis. MRI brain revealed petrous apicitis, otomastoiditis, and clival osteomyelitis. His imaging findings improved and his migraine-like headache completely resolved after treatment with a prolonged course of antibiotics. Petrous apicitis can present as a headache with features of migraine, and in this case in particular, as chronic migraine without aura. The pathophysiological mechanisms that may underlie the generation of migraine-like headache in petrous apicitis may include the activation of nociceptive fibers within the periosteum of the petrous apex and clivus whose cell bodies originate in the trigeminal ganglion and upper cervical dorsal root ganglia. By treating the peripheral pathology, resolution of the headache may be achieved.

Imaging of temporal bone inflammations in children: a pictorial review.

Understanding the underlying pathophysiology and the patterns of disease spread is crucial in accurate image interpretation. In this pictorial review, the common and important inflammatory processes of the temporal bone in children will be discussed, and key computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features described. Inflammatory processes are categorized by anatomical location: the petrous apex and the inner, middle and outer ear. A complete review of the literature is provided. Cholesteatoma, cholesterol granuloma and mucoceles are inflammatory processes that occur across the anatomical subsites of the temporal bone, whilst site-specific inflammatory processes include labyrinthitis ossificans in the inner ear and keratosis obturans in the external ear. Infection is a key cause of inflammation in the temporal bone, and specific infections include petrous apicitis, otitis media and necrotizing otitis externa. Finally, important mimics and do-not-touch lesions are considered. CT and MRI are complementary in assessing these disorders, as two of the most important diagnostic clues are the presence of bone erosion, best appreciated on CT, and true diffusion restriction as seen on MRI. Flow charts to assist in the diagnosis of paediatric temporal bone inflammatory disease are also provided. Paediatric temporal bone inflammatory processes are common and can have severe clinical sequelae. Timely intervention, facilitated by correct radiological diagnosis, can often prevent progression of disease, loss of hearing and systemic illness.

BEZOLD ABSCESS: A RARE COMPLICATION OF ACUTE OTITIS MEDIA

To the Editor: We read with interest the recent study from Ren et al. (1) on acute otitis media (AOM) complications; the authors considering 5,811,127 Emergency Department visits for AOM, found 15,243 (0.26%) patients who presented with a complication (1). The authors reported serious AOM complications including sigmoid sinus thrombosis, epidural or intracerebral abscess, meningitis, petrous apicitis, and otic hydrocephalus (1). In our opinion, the authors forgot to mention a rare but severe complication of otitis media, Bezold abscess (2). Bezold abscess is a complication of AOM with mastoiditis presenting as a laterocervical abscess (2). It is caused by a suppurative process eroding the mastoid cortex along the digastric ridge and spreading between the digastric and sternocleidomastoid muscles. Bezold's abscess was associated with lateral sinus thrombosis, that may be caused by compression or thrombosis of an internal jugular vein or because of phlebitis of the emissary veins (3). Bezold abscess treatment includes broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy and early surgery to establish drainage of the mastoid cells and neck space (4). AOM is one of the most common childhood infections that affects approximately 50 to 85% of children before the age of 3 (5). Ren et al. (1) did not found any Bezold abscess in their large cases series. Nevertheless, we think it is important to remember this rare AOM complication because in small children aural signs and symptoms could be absent (6,7). Children under the age of 5 with Bezold abscess could fail to report otalgia and otorrhea may be absent (7). It is fundamental in children with fever and neck swelling to perform an otoscopy and verify if AOM is present. If Bezold abscess is suspected, a computed tomography has to be performed to identify the abscesses in the neck and involvement of the mastoid process and enables the surgeon to carefully plan the intervention (7). Brain imaging could also detect other intracranial complications of AOM that could be associated to Bezold abscess (3).

Vocal Cord Paralysis and Dysphagia as Sequelae of Gradenigo Syndrome

Objectives: To present a case of vocal cord paralysis and dysphagia developing in Gradenigo syndrome and to discuss its clinical presentation, differential diagnosis and therapeutic approach.
 
 Methods:
 Design: Case Report
 Setting: Tertiary Government Hospital
 Patient: One
 
 Results: A 54-year-old lady was admitted with a six month history of left-sided otorrhea, cheek and jaw pain, three months otalgia, and recent-onset hoarseness, dysphagia and diplopia on a background of mastoidectomy at age 6. Otoscopy revealed granulation tissue and chlolesteatoma occupying the left external auditory canal. There was left vocal cord paralysis with pooling of saliva in the pyriform sinus, left lateral gaze paralysis, and left facial nerve paralysis. CT scan revealed sclerosis of the left petrous apex and leptomeningeal enhancement on the left temporal lobe. Chronic suppurative otitis media with cholesteatoma and Gradenigo syndrome was diagnosed, and canal wall down mastoidectomy was performed Postoperatively, the otalgia and pain over the left jaw diminished in intensity while hoarseness and left lateral gaze palsy remained.
 
 Conclusion: Gradenigo syndrome is known for its triad of retro-orbital pain, lateral gaze paralysis, and chronic middle ear infection due to petrous apicitis. Although rare, vocal cord paralysis and dysphagia may develop when infection traverses and encroaches on the jugular foramen where cranial nerves IX, X, and XI are lodged. Knowledge of the syndrome should not be limited or confined to the classic triad. Practicing ear specialists should be vigilant and cognizant of the clinical manifestations and sequelae of chronic middle ear infection. Prompt surgical intervention is crucial while resolution of the disease may vary for different individuals.
 
 Keywords: Chronic otitis media, Gradenigo syndrome, vocal cord paralysis, petrous apicitis

The changing face of petrous apicitis-a 40-year experience.

Petrous apicitis (PA) is a rare complication of otitis media. Gradenigo syndrome, with the classic triad of otitis, deep pain, and abducens paralysis, is rarer still. The objective of this study was to determine if clinical presentation and management has changed over time. Retrospective chart review. Forty-four patients with PA over a 40-year period were studied. Symptoms, signs, and management outcomes were studied. Historical review, surgical anatomy and approaches, pathology, and microbiology, and an illustrative case are included as appendices. The classical Gradenigo triad of retro-orbital pain, otitis, and abducens palsy occurred in only six of 44 patients (13.6%). Over the 40-year observation period, those needing surgery has decreased. Antibiotics remain the primary treatment modality. Surgery is reserved for cases failing to respond to antibiotics. One of the 44 patients in this series died of his disease. Diagnosis and management algorithms based on these observations are suggested. 4. Laryngoscope, 128:195-201, 2018.

Gradenigo syndrome and primitive sphenoid sinus cancer

First described in 1907, Gradenigo’s syndrome associates the following triad: acute otitis media as a causative infection of petrous apicitis, ipsilateral abducens nerve palsy and trigeminal neuralgia. This entity is becoming rare because of the wide use of antibiotics. The above definition can be extended as the fifth and sixth cranial nerves are intimately related near the apex of the petrous bone. Thus, any adjacent process may cause petrositis and palsies of these nerves.Paranasal sinus adenocarcinomas are common. But primitive sphenoid bone localization is exceptional and manifest usually with a deep retro orbital headache.1Gardenigo’s syndrome is a rare revelation mode of sphenoid tumors.We report the case of a 55-years old female with a history of Budd Chiari syndrome, who presented with a typical Gradenigo’s Syndrome. The imaging showed an invasive process of sphenoid sinus. trans-sphenoidal biopsy concluded to adenocarcinoma. As the patient was inoperable, palliative radiotherapy was indicated.

Tuberculous Otitis Media, Petrous Apicitis, Brain Abscess And Meningoencephalitis in A 16-Month-Old Child

Background: Tuberculous otitis media is very rare in the developed world and usually appears as a consequence of lung tuberculosis. Currently, Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the etiological agent in less than 0.1% of the cases of otitis media chronica. Case presentation: We report a rare and fatal case of a child with tuberculous otitis media and petrous apicitis, extended to brain abscess and meningoencephalitis. The patient presented with meningeal signs, facial nerve palsy, bloody-purulent ear discharge, hearing loss, and abducens nerve palsy – a clinical picture of Gradenigo's syndrome. The cerebrospinal fluid cultured positive for M.tuberculosis. QuantiFERON-TB GOLD assay proved positive. Conclusion: In the antibiotic era, tuberculosis of the middle ear with CNS involvement is a diagnostic challenge and clinicians should be aware of similar association not only in the developing countries, but especially in the industrialized world, since the disease is very rare and may result in delayed treatment with fatal consequences.

Gradenigo syndrome: A rare complication of otitis media

Gradenigo syndrome (petrous apicitis or petrositis) is a rare complication of otitis media that if left unrecognized and subsequently untreated will result in severe neurologic sequelae. Gradenigo syndrome is clinically represented by the triad of otitis media, ipsilateral abducens nerve palsy and dysasthesia within the V1 and V2 divisions of the trigeminal nerve branches. We describe a 4 year-old patient who presented with headache, facial pain, diplopia and a recent history of upper respiratory tract symptomatology. Examination revealed an abducens palsy with subsequent magnetic resonance imaging demonstrating inflammation in the left petrous apex and along the tracts of the 6th, 7th, and 8th cranial nerves. The patient was treated with intravenous antibiotics along with myringotomy and had complete resolution of his symptoms.

Gruber, Gradenigo, Dorello, and Vail: key personalities in the historical evolution and modern-day understanding of Dorello's canal.

A century ago an ambitious young anatomist in Rome, Primo Dorello, who sought to understand the cause of abducent nerve palsy that often occurred in patients with severe middle ear infections, conducted intricate studies on the intracranial course of the nerve. In his findings, he identified that the abducent nerve passes through a narrow sinus near the apex of the petrous bone, which formed an osteofibrous canal. Dorello suggested that in this enclosed region the abducent nerve may be particularly vulnerable to compression due to the vascular edema accompanying the infection. Although his work was widely appreciated, it was not well received by all. Interestingly, Giuseppe Gradenigo, one of the most prominent Italian otologists of the early 20th century, who was known for his work on a triad of symptoms (Gradenigo's syndrome) that accompanies petrous apicitis, a result of severe middle ear infections, was obstinate in his criticism of Dorello's findings. Thus a scientific duel began, with a series of correspondence between these two academics-one who was relatively new to the otological community (Dorello) and one who was well reputed in that community (Gradenigo). The disagreement ultimately ebbed in 1909, when Dorello published a report in response to Gradenigo's criticisms and convinced Gradenigo to change his views. Today Dorello's canal is widely recognized as a key landmark in skull base surgery of the petroclival region and holds clinical significance due to its relation to the abducent nerve and surrounding vascular structures. Yet, although academics such as Dorello and Gradenigo are recognized for their work on the canal, it is important not to forget the others throughout history who have contributed to the modern-day understanding of this anatomical structure. In fact, although the level of anatomical detail found in Dorello's work was previously unmatched, the first description of the canal was made by the experienced Austrian anatomist Wenzel Leopold Gruber in 1859, almost 50 years prior to Dorello's landmark publication. Another critical figure in building the understanding of Dorello's canal was Harris Holmes Vail, a young otolaryngologist from Harvard Medical School, who in 1922 became the first person to describe Dorello's canal in the English language. Vail conducted his own detailed anatomical studies on cadavers, and his publication not only reaffirmed Dorello's findings but also immortalized the eponym used today-"Dorello's canal." In this article the authors review the life and contributions of Gruber, Dorello, Gradenigo, and Vail, four men who played a critical role in the discovery of Dorello's canal and paved the way toward the current understanding of the canal as a key clinical and surgical entity.

Early Conquest of the Rock: Julius Lempert's Life and the Complete Apicectomy Technique for the Treatment of Suppurative Petrous Apicitis.

Julius Lempert (1891-1968) was one of the most revolutionary and innovative neuro-otologists of the 20th century. He had a remarkable role in advancing the field of otolaryngology to its modern shape and form, especially through his groundbreaking introduction of the fenestration procedure for the treatment of otosclerosis. Although he is highly celebrated by many neuro-otologists for his contributions to our surgical and anatomical understanding of the petrous bone, he is not well known to the neurosurgical community. In this article, we give a detailed account of Dr. Lempert's life and discuss his invaluable contribution to skull base petrous bone anatomy and surgery through his pioneering work on the complete apicectomy for the treatment of suppurative petrous apicitis.

Petrositis With Bilateral Abducens Nerve Palsies complicated by Acute Otitis Media

Petrous apicitis is a rare but fatal complication of otitis media. An infection within the middle ear can extend within the temporal bone into the air cells of the petrous apex. With only the thin dura mater separating the trigeminal ganglion and the 6th cranial nerve from the bony petrous apex, they are vulnerable to inflammatory processes, resulting in deep facial pain, lateral rectus muscle paralysis, and diplopia. In 1904, Gradenigo described a triad of symptoms related to petrous apicitis, including acute suppurative otitis media, deep facial pain resulting from trigeminal involvement, and abducens nerve palsy. It has traditionally been treated with surgery, but recent advances in imaging, with improved antibiotic treatment, allow conservative management. In this case report, we describe a clinical and neuroradiological evolution of a child with a petrous apicitis after acute otitis media, which was managed medically with a positive outcome.

Aspergilluspetrous apicitis associated with cerebral and peritubular abscesses in an immunocompetent man

Petrous apex aspergillosis is an uncommon and dangerous condition, with only four previously reported cases. As with other forms of petrous apicitis, the clinical symptoms are often non-specific and this contributes to diagnostic delay. This paper presents the first reported case of Aspergillus petrous apicitis associated with an intracranial or nasopharyngeal abscess. A 72-year-old man with chronic otorrhoea developed neuralgic headaches and progressive lower cranial nerve palsies despite antibiotic therapy. Imaging revealed petrous apicitis, a temporal lobe abscess and nasopharyngeal abscess. Analysis of biopsy tissue indicated invasive aspergillosis. The patient recovered on a protracted course of voriconazole in addition to medium-term antibiotic therapy. Invasive fungal disease should be considered early in the course of skull base osteomyelitis that is clinically unresponsive to empirical broad spectrum antibiotics. This paper highlights the role of tissue biopsy in diagnosis, and the efficacy of voriconazole therapy without the need for radical surgery.

Abducens Nerve Palsy Complicated by Inferior Petrosal Sinus Septic Thrombosis Due to Mastoiditis

We present a very rare case of a 29-month-old boy with acute onset right abducens nerve palsy complicated by inferior petrosal sinus septic thrombosis due to mastoiditis without petrous apicitis. Four months after mastoidectomy, the patient fully recovered from an esotropia of 30 prism diopters and an abduction limitation (-4) in his right eye.