Fatal Otitic Hydrocephalus Due to Sinus Thrombosis: A Case Report

Objective: To report a case of chronic suppurative otitis media with complications of lateral sinus thrombosis and otitic hydrocephalus and to discuss its clinical manifestations, clinical course, ancillary procedures and management. Methods: Study Design: Case Report Setting: Tertiary Government Training Hospital Patient: One Results: A 35-year-old man was admitted due to intermittent right otorrhea for 20 years and headache for a month. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score was 12, and mastoidectomy performed on the second hospital day showed cholesteatoma with erosion of the bony covering of the sigmoid sinus with scanty purulent discharge. The GCS improved to 15 few hours post- operatively, however, 24 hours post-operatively, GCS decreased from 15 to 10 and a CT scan showed dilatation of cerebral ventricles and lateral sinus thrombosis which persisted on subsequent imaging studies. His condition deteriorated irreversibly despite a ventriculostomy, and he eventually expired after 3 weeks in the ward. Conclusion: Otitic hydrocephalus due to lateral sinus thrombosis is a serious complication of chronic suppurative otitis media seldom encountered nowadays. In this case, otitic hydrocephalus developed and progressed despite broad spectrum antibiotics, mastoidectomy and a ventricular shunt. This case report underscores the importance of early recognition of warning signs of intracranial complications to institute prompt management.