Petrositis Following Chronic Otitis Media without Gradenigo’s, Treated without Surgery

Abstract

Petrositis is a rare complication of chronic otitis media. It is known to cause variety of intratemporal and intracranial complications, if not managed timely. Traditionally, surgery was advocated, but with better antibiotics availability, focus is now more on conservative treatment. We hereby present a rare case of petrositis, without full triad of Gradenigo’s syndrome and being managed by intravenous antibiotic only. This highlights importance of early diagnosis and treatment. A 19-year-old male presented with discharge from left ear and left sided headache, (becoming holocranial) for 2 years, with increased severity since a month. Discharge was scanty and yellowish; blood tinged occasionally and was often foul smelling. The headache was insidious, gradually worsening, aggravated by cold food intake and exposure to cold weather. He also gave history of mild hearing loss from left ear. There was history of some improvement with oral antibiotics, prescribed by local practitioners, but the relief was incomplete and lasted shortly. He had no complain of trauma to head or ear, double vision, vomiting, fever or facial weakness. Physical examination was normal especially with respect to extra ocular muscles (Fig.1) and muscles of facial expression.