Profile and Outcome of Prospective Non-Septic Lateral Sinus Thrombosis Patients from a Stroke Unit of a Developing Country.

Background: Due to effective treatment of middle ear infections there is a change in etiologies causing lateral sinus thrombosis (LST) and outcome. There is a paucity of literature describing homogenous group of patients with nonseptic LST (NS-LST). Objective: To describe the clinical profile, risk factors, outcome of patients of NS-LST seen at a single center from South India. Methods and Materials: Prospective, observational study of 100 patients of NS-LST patients, diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) seen at the stroke unit. Results: During 2 years, 100 patients of NS-LST (isolated: combined: 27:73) (male: female: 44:56), mean age: 31.45 ± 11.13 years, were seen. Subacute presentation (74%) with headache, seizures, focal deficits, and features of raised intracranial pressure were presenting features. Hyperhomocysteinemia (61%), anemia (57%), postpartum state (41%), OCP use (37%), and low VitB12 (32%) were commonly seen risk factors. Imaging with MRI compared withcomputerized tomography (CT) had better diagnostic sensitivity (100% vs. 67%), detection of parenchymal (81% vs. 67%)/hemorrhagic (79% vs. 74%) lesions, and cortical vein thrombosis (31% vs. 15.46%). Treatment with anticoagulation and supportive therapy resulted in good outcome (mRS (0-2)) at 3 months in 81%.There were four deaths, all during admission (one - isolated, three - combined) and 11 patients underwent decompressive surgery. Patients with low GCS level of sensoriumat admission, hemiparesis, combined LST, cerebellar involvement, and decompressive craniectomy had a poor outcome. Conclusion: This single-center large cohort study of NS-LST patients brings out the clinical features, risk factors (peculiar to developing countries), and the superiority of MRI in the diagnosis. Majority of patients have good outcome, with low mortality with 10% requiring decompressive surgery.

[Clinical analysis of 11 cases of otogenic intracranial complications treated by multidisciplinary collaboration].

Objective:To analyze the clinical diagnosis, treatment ，and surgical timing of otogenic intracranial complications. Methods:The clinical data of 11 patients with intracranial complications with ear symptoms as the first manifestation in Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University（Qingdao） from December 2014 to June 2022 were collected, including 8 males and 3 females, aged from 4 to 69 years. All patients had complete otoendoscopy, audiology, imaging and etiology examination, and the diagnosis and treatment plan was jointly developed through multidisciplinary consultation according to the critical degree of clinical symptoms and imaging changes. Among the 11 patients, 5 cases were treated with intracranial lesions first in neurosurgery department and middle ear lesions later in otolaryngology, 3 cases of meningitis, were treated with middle ear surgery after intracranial infection control, 1 case was treated with middle ear lesions and intracranial infection simultaneously, and 2 cases were treated with sigmoid sinus and transverse sinus thrombosis conservatively. They were followed up for 1-6 years. Descriptive statistical methods were used for analysis. Results:All the 11 patients had ear varying symptoms, including ear pain, pus discharge and hearing loss, etc, and then fever appeared, headache, disturbance of consciousness, facial paralysis and other intracranial complication. Otoendoscopy showed perforation of the relaxation of the tympanic membrane in 5 cases, major perforation of the tension in 3 cases, neoplasia in the ear canal in 1 case, bulging of the tympanic membrane in 1 case, and turbidity of the tympanic membrane in 1 case. There were 4 cases of conductive hearing loss, 4 cases of mixed hearing loss and 3 cases of total deafness. Imaging examination showed cholesteatoma of the middle ear complicated with temporal lobe brain abscess in 4 cases, cerebellar abscess in 2 cases, cholesteatoma of the middle ear complicated with intracranial infection in 3 cases, and sigmoid sinus thrombophlebitis in 2 cases. In the etiological examination, 2 cases of Streptococcus pneumoniae were cultured in the pus of brain abscess and cerebrospinal fluid, and 1 case was cultured in streptococcus vestibularis, Bacteroides uniformis and Proteus mirabilis respectively. During the follow-up, 1 patient died of cardiovascular disease 3 years after discharge, and the remaining 10 patients survived. There was no recurrence of intracranial and middle ear lesions. Sigmoid sinus and transverse sinus thrombosis were significantly improved. Conclusion:Brain abscess, intracranial infection and thrombophlebitis are the most common otogenic intracranial complications, and cholesteatoma of middle ear is the most common primary disease. Timely diagnosis, multidisciplinary collaboration, accurate grasp of the timing in the treatment of primary focal and complications have improved the cure rate of the disease.

Clinical analysis of 11 cases of otogenic intracranial complications treated by multidisciplinary collaboration / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective:To analyze the clinical diagnosis, treatment ，and surgical timing of otogenic intracranial complications. Methods:The clinical data of 11 patients with intracranial complications with ear symptoms as the first manifestation in Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University（Qingdao） from December 2014 to June 2022 were collected, including 8 males and 3 females, aged from 4 to 69 years. All patients had complete otoendoscopy, audiology, imaging and etiology examination, and the diagnosis and treatment plan was jointly developed through multidisciplinary consultation according to the critical degree of clinical symptoms and imaging changes. Among the 11 patients, 5 cases were treated with intracranial lesions first in neurosurgery department and middle ear lesions later in otolaryngology, 3 cases of meningitis, were treated with middle ear surgery after intracranial infection control, 1 case was treated with middle ear lesions and intracranial infection simultaneously, and 2 cases were treated with sigmoid sinus and transverse sinus thrombosis conservatively. They were followed up for 1-6 years. Descriptive statistical methods were used for analysis. Results:All the 11 patients had ear varying symptoms, including ear pain, pus discharge and hearing loss, etc, and then fever appeared, headache, disturbance of consciousness, facial paralysis and other intracranial complication. Otoendoscopy showed perforation of the relaxation of the tympanic membrane in 5 cases, major perforation of the tension in 3 cases, neoplasia in the ear canal in 1 case, bulging of the tympanic membrane in 1 case, and turbidity of the tympanic membrane in 1 case. There were 4 cases of conductive hearing loss, 4 cases of mixed hearing loss and 3 cases of total deafness. Imaging examination showed cholesteatoma of the middle ear complicated with temporal lobe brain abscess in 4 cases, cerebellar abscess in 2 cases, cholesteatoma of the middle ear complicated with intracranial infection in 3 cases, and sigmoid sinus thrombophlebitis in 2 cases. In the etiological examination, 2 cases of Streptococcus pneumoniae were cultured in the pus of brain abscess and cerebrospinal fluid, and 1 case was cultured in streptococcus vestibularis, Bacteroides uniformis and Proteus mirabilis respectively. During the follow-up, 1 patient died of cardiovascular disease 3 years after discharge, and the remaining 10 patients survived. There was no recurrence of intracranial and middle ear lesions. Sigmoid sinus and transverse sinus thrombosis were significantly improved. Conclusion:Brain abscess, intracranial infection and thrombophlebitis are the most common otogenic intracranial complications, and cholesteatoma of middle ear is the most common primary disease. Timely diagnosis, multidisciplinary collaboration, accurate grasp of the timing in the treatment of primary focal and complications have improved the cure rate of the disease.

Transvenous Embolization with Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol and Arterial Flow Control of a Dural Arteriovenous Fistula of the Isolated Transverse Sinus.

Dural arteriovenous fistulas draining into an isolated sinus often require a multimodal treatment, with transarterial and transvenous approaches.1-6 However, there is no consensus about the injection technique. Some authors suggest filling the sinus with coils in order to have a compact cast without unnecessary migration of the embolic material. We present a case of a patient with left temporal hemorrhage caused by a dural arteriovenous fistula on the isolated left transverse sinus. In this operative video we demonstrate how the arterial flow control during treatment allows us to obtain a compact cast of the embolic material inside the isolated sinus without coils (Video 1).

Otogenic Lateral Sinovenous Thrombosis in Children: A Case Series from a Single Centre and Narrative Review.

AIM: We aimed to describe otogenic lateral sinovenous thrombosis (OLST), a rare, potentially life-threatening complication of otomastoiditis. METHODS: Children diagnosed with OLST in a tertiary-care Hospital from 2014 to 2019 was retrospectively selected. Clinical and radiological features, timing of diagnosis, treatment and outcome are reported. RESULTS: Seven children (5 males) were studied. Fever and neurological symptoms (headache, lethargy, diplopia, dizziness and papilledema) were always present. Otalgia and/or otorrhea were found in 6 children; none had signs of mastoiditis. Diagnosis was reached after 7 days (median) from clinical onset. Brain CT-scan was performed in 5 children being diagnostic for 3. Venography-MRI detected OLST and mastoiditis in all cases without parenchymal lesions. Treatment was based on intravenous rehydration, antibiotic and low-molecular weight heparin; acetazolamide was added in 3 children. Mastoidectomy and ventriculoperitoneal-shunting were selectively performed. Patients were discharged after 26 days (median). Follow-up neuroimaging showed sinus recanalization after a median time of 6 months. CONCLUSION: A multidisciplinary approach is needed to optimize diagnostic-therapeutic protocols of pediatric OLST.

Elevated Factor VIII Level Associated with Transverse Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis.

BACKGROUND Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is an uncommon cause of stroke. CVST can be caused by systemic conditions as well as mechanical factors that reduce blood flow to promote thrombosis. These can include hormonal therapies, pregnancy, malignancy, genetic conditions. trauma, neurosurgical procedures, and adjacent infections (mostly mastoiditis). This case report describes a patient with right transverse sinus thrombosis with no prior risk factors. CASE REPORT A 50-year-old female with no risk factors presented with complaints of headache associated with diplopia for 2 weeks. She did not have any other neurologic signs or symptoms. The patient initially underwent a cerebral magnetic resonance imaging that revealed right transverse sinus thrombosis. She underwent an extensive procoagulant workup and was found to have an increased factor VIII level. All other workups were negative. The patient was started on heparin infusion and bridged to coumadin to achieve a therapeutic international normalized ratio. The patient had improvement in her headache symptoms and was discharged to be followed as an outpatient. CONCLUSIONS We report a case of right transverse sinus thrombosis in a patient with increased factor VIII levels. It is prudent to promptly diagnose cerebral sinus venous thrombosis and start antithrombotic treatment for complete resolution of symptoms.

Multimodal Regional Brain Monitoring of Tissue Ischemia in Severe Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis.

BACKGROUND: Comatose critically ill patients with severe diffuse cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) are at high risk of secondary hypoxic/ischemic insults, which may considerably worsen neurological recovery. Multimodal brain monitoring (MBM) may therefore improve patient care in this setting, yet no data are available in the literature. METHODS: We report two patients with coma following severe diffuse CVT who underwent emergent invasive MBM with intracranial pressure (ICP), brain tissue oximetry (PbtO2), and cerebral microdialysis (CMD). Therapy of CVT consisted of intravenous unfractionated heparin (UFH), followed by endovascular mechanical thrombectomy (EMT). EMT efficacy was assessed continuously at the bedside using MBM. RESULTS: Despite effective therapeutic UFH (aPTT two times baseline levels in the two subjects), average CMD levels of lactate and glucose in the 6 h prior to EMT displayed evidence of regional brain ischemia. The EMT procedure was associated with a rapid (within 6 h) improvement in both CMD lactate (6.42 ± 0.61 4.89 ± 0.55 mmol/L, p = 0.02) and glucose (0.49 ± 0.17 vs. 0.96 ± 0.32 mmol/L, p = 0.0005). EMT was also associated with a significant increase in PbtO2 (22.9 ± 7.5 vs. 30.1 ± 3.6 mmHg, p = 0.0003) and a decrease in CMD glutamate (12.69 ± 1.06 vs. 5.73 ± 1.76 µmol/L, p = 0.017) and intracranial pressure (ICP) (13 ± 4 vs. 11 ± 4 mmHg (p = 004). Patients did not require surgical decompression, regained consciousness, and were discharged from the hospital with a good neurological outcome (modified Rankin score 3 and 4). CONCLUSIONS: This study illustrates the potential utility of continuous bedside MBM in patients with coma after severe brain injury, irrespective of the primary acute cerebral condition. Despite adequate ICP and PbtO2 control, the presence of CMD signs of regional brain cell ischemia triggered emergent EMT to treat CVT, which was associated with a significant and clinically relevant improvement of intracerebral physiology.

Dulaglutide-induced cerebral venous thrombosis in a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Though patients with diabetes mellitus are at a high risk of atherothrombotic events, every such event should not be attributed to the disease itself. We present a case of a patient with diabetes with headache and blurring of vision for 3 days. Brain imaging revealed right transverse sinus thrombosis and acute infarct of the right posterior parieto-occipital region, predominantly in the posterior cortical watershed zone. The patient was on subcutaneous dulaglutide for 3 weeks and was having nausea and vomiting. Various causes of cerebral venous thrombosis were ruled out with appropriate laboratory investigations. Finally, cerebral venous thrombosis was attributed to dulaglutide-induced nausea and vomiting which led to severe dehydration.

Otogenic Lateral Sinus Thrombosis: A Review of Fifteen Patients and Changing Trends in the Management

Abstract Introduction Otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis is a rare intracranial complication of otitis media in the modern age of antibiotic treatment, but it is potentially a dangerous complication. Objectives The aim of this study is to focus on the various clinical presentations, management options and sequelae in a series of fifteen patients with otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis. Methods Retrospective chart review of inpatients treated for otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis at our tertiary care institution between 2010 and 2015. Results A total of 15 patients (11 males and 4 females) with ages ranging from 9 to 60 years were diagnosed with otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis. The most commonly reported symptoms were headache, ear discharge and hard of hearing, which were experienced by all 15 (100%) patients. In contrast to previous studies found in the literature, 7 (47%) patients in our series presented with neck pain and neck abscess. Imaging studies and microbiological cultures were performed for all patients, who also underwent a mastoidectomy procedure. Internal jugular vein ligation was performed on 5 (33%) patients. Incision and drainage of the neck abscess was performed on 7 (47%) patients. All patients had a satisfactory resolution of their symptoms, and the mortality rate was of 0%. Conclusions Otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis, though a rare complication, can still occur; therefore, keeping a high level of suspicion is important, especially in developing countries. We also describe the patients with neck abscess associated with this rare condition. Combining parenteral antibiotics with surgical intervention is the treatment of choice.

Otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis in children: proposal of an experience-based treatment flowchart.

PURPOSE: To describe the prevalent clinical, laboratory, and radiological features of otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis (OLST) in children; to identify clinical predictors of outcome; to propose a management algorithm derived from experience. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of the clinical records of patients with OLST, treated in a single tertiary care referral center for pediatric disease from 2006 to 2017. The inclusion criteria were pediatric age (0-16 years) and OLST diagnosis confirmed by a pre- and post-contrast CT or venography-MRI scan. Primary outcome measures were early (1-2 months) and late (6 months) sinus recanalization assessed by means of neuroimaging. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients (8 females and 17 males; mean age = 6 ± 3 years) were included. A genetic abnormality associated with thrombophilia was found in 24 (96%) patients. At diagnosis, anticoagulant treatment with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) was started in all subjects, while surgical treatment (mastoidectomy and tympanostomy tube insertion) was performed in 16/25 (64%) patients. Follow-up neuroimaging showed lateral sinus recanalization in 12/25 (48%) patients after 1-2 months and in 17/25 (68%) after 6 months. At multivariate logistic regression analysis, no significant predictors of the early and late neuroradiological outcome were found. CONCLUSIONS: All children with OLST should be screened for thrombophilia to decide on treatment duration and to assess the need for future antithrombotic prophylaxis. Immediately after diagnosis, anticoagulant treatment with LMWH should be started according to the international guidelines. Instead, our experience suggests that surgical treatment should not be indicated in all patients, but decided on a case-to-case basis.

The association between otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis and thrombophilia - A long-term follow-up.

PURPOSE: Otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis (OLST) is an intracranial, potentially life-threatening complication of acute and chronic otitis media. Since congenital thrombophilic disorders are risk factors for cerebral venous thrombosis, OLST may be related to thrombophilia. The aim of our study was twofold: to evaluate whether patients who suffered from OLST in childhood also have thrombophilia, and whether these patients experienced thromboembolic episodes in future years. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: The medical charts of all children hospitalized for OLST at Soroka University Medical Center of Israel, a tertiary referral hospital, from January 1983 to September 2014 were reviewed. The patients were invited for a follow-up visit and comprehensive medical history was taken along with a physical examination and laboratory work-up for thrombophilia. MAIN FINDINGS: Seven patients were included in the study. Of these, 3 (43%) had results suggesting thrombophilic disorders manifested by elevated levels of factor IX and decreased levels of protein S activity (n = 1), decreased levels of proteins C and S activity (n = 1), and elevated levels of antibodies to cardiolipin (n = 1). No patients experienced clear thrombophilic events; however, 2 patients (29%) with later proven thrombophilia suffered neurologic sequelae, possibly suggesting thrombophilic events. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric OLST secondary to acute otitis media and mastoiditis may reflect an underlying thrombophilia. Laboratory work-up for thrombophilia should be performed, and anticoagulant treatment may be warranted in managing these patients.

Treatment of the superior sagittal sinus and transverse sinus thrombosis associated with intracranial hemorrhage with the mechanical thrombectomy and thrombolytics: Case report.

RATIONALE: The superior sagittal sinus (SSS) and transverse sinus are the major dural sinuses that receive a considerable amount of venous drainage. The occlusion of them has been suggested to cause intracranial hypertension, hemorrhage, and lead to potentially fatal consequences. PATIENT CONCERNS: We reported a 35-year-old woman with headache presented to our emergency department with a decreased level of consciousness and epileptic seizures. The examination of speech, higher mental function, and cranial nerve were normal. Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated both subarachnoid and intraparenchymal hemorrhage and brain edema at the right temporal lobe accompanied by high density shadow in the right transverse sinus. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) revealed extensive thrombosis of the SSS and bilateral transverse sinus. DIAGNOSES: The SSS and transverse sinus thrombosis, accompanied by right temporal lobe hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). INTERVENTIONS: An emergent mechanical thrombectomy by placed Solitair AB stent in the SSS, respectively, passed left and right sigmoid sinus-transverse sinus route. We removed the most clots, DSA revealed recanalization of the SSS and left transverse sinus was seen with normalization of the venous outflow, the occlusion of right transverse sinus was still present. There were 4 hours after patient back to neurosurgical intensive care unit (NICU), patient appeared anisocoria (R/L:4.0/2.5 mm), bilateral light reflexes disappeared, then we took a CT reexamination revealed intraparenchymal hemorrhage increased, brain edema was aggravated at the left temporal lobe, and mild midline shift. Subsequently, we performed decompressive hemicraniectomy and puncture the hematoma supplemented by B ultrasonic. Anticoagulation treatment was initiated 24 hours after surgery, and follow-up DSA showed gradually improved patency in the SSS and bilateral transverse sinus. OUTCOMES: Despite occlusion of the SSS and bilateral transverse sinus, patient's symptoms resolved after the operations and he was discharged without complications. LESSONS: The favorable clinical outcome after complete occlusion of the SSS and transverse sinus, accompanied by right temporal lobe hemorrhage, SAH has rarely been reported and it might be explained by our timely surgical intervention and development of compensatory cerebral collateral circulation.

Iatrogenic Sigmoid Sinus Occlusion Rescued by Graft Repair and Endovascular Thrombolysis.

BACKGROUND: Iatrogenic cerebral venous sinus injury and occlusion may occur during resection of parasagittal meningioma and lateral skull base surgery. The former involves the superior sagittal sinus, and direct surgical repair is associated with good results. Outcome of direct repair of transverse-sigmoid sinus injury is less clear. We present a patient with iatrogenic sigmoid sinus injury in whom direct repair was complicated by subsequent thrombosis that was successfully salvaged by combined endovascular mechanical and chemical thrombolysis. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 60-year-old man with left tentorial atypical meningioma had disease recurrence after 3 excisions. Angiography revealed that the straight sinus and torcular and bilateral transverse sinuses were occluded. He underwent a fourth craniotomy with inadvertent occlusion of the transverse-sigmoid sinus junction. Direct surgical repair was done but was complicated by thrombosis. Mechanical endovenous thrombectomy was done followed by continuous urokinase infusion for 1 week. Digital subtraction angiography performed 7 days after endovascular treatment showed improved venous drainage through the left transverse-sigmoid sinus junction. The patient was ambulatory and fully independent, with no new neurologic deficit. CONCLUSIONS: This case emphasizes the need to preserve every vein, especially when major venous sinuses have been obliterated. Detailed study of high-quality preoperative digital subtraction angiography is extremely important. Venous injury should be repaired immediately whenever possible. Postrepair venous sinus thrombosis may be effectively salvaged by endovascular thrombectomy for rapid recannulation, with or without combined use of continuous in situ thrombolytic therapy.

Diagnosis and management of a young woman with acute isolated lateral sinus thrombosis.

Isolated lateral sinus thrombosis (LST) was mentioned in the past as a complication of middle ear infection. In the recent years, it was not frequently studied. Our patient, a 23-year-old woman who was taking an oral contraceptive pill, displayed 24 hours of migraine, such as headache; her systemic examinations were normal. She underwent neuroimaging examinations in the first 36 hours of admission. Native head computed tomography (CT) revealed hyperdensities along the left tentorium, involving the left lateral sinus (LS). Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed hypointense signal on MRI T2*SW (susceptibility-weighted) in the region of the left LS. MR venography noted the absence of flow-related signal within the left LS. The clinical symptoms, signs and neuroimaging results formulated the diagnosis of left isolated LS thrombosis. Laboratory data demonstrated an elevated D-dimer and homozygosity for the factor V Leiden mutation. She was immediately started on anticoagulation in the form of low-molecular-weight Heparin; then, she was treated with Warfarin for an indefinite duration. The headaches resolved within two days and her neurological examination was also normal. A second MR venography achieved after two weeks demonstrated complete recanalization of the venous sinuses. We did not observe any LST recurrence, deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism during one year of follow-up. The early initialization of anticoagulation produced a favorable evolution. An acute isolated left LST could be identified in her case on the head CT combined with MRI and MR venography.

Otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis in children: A review of 7 cases.

Otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis (LST) is a rare but serious intracranial complication of acute or chronic otitis media. Reported mortality rates have ranged from 8 to 25%; the pediatric mortality rate might be as low as 5%. Controversy still exists over the medical and surgical management of this condition. We conducted a retrospective chart review of 7 cases of pediatric otogenic LST that were treated at our institution over a period of 8 years. We hypothesized that good outcomes in very sick patients can be achieved by aggressively managing the mastoid cavity and without the need for a thrombectomy. Our study group was made up of 4 boys and 3 girls, aged 6 to 15 years (mean: 11.1). All patients received intravenous antibiotics and underwent mastoidectomy with unroofing of the sigmoid sinus and placement of a tympanostomy tube. Sinus exploration with thrombectomy was not performed in any patient. Anticoagulation was used perioperatively in 5 patients (71%) without complication. All patients recovered well without major sequelae, which supports our hypothesis. We also describe the case of a patient with multiple concomitant intracranial comorbidities associated with this rare condition.

Clinical associations, biological risk factors and outcomes of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis.

Objective Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare cerebrovascular disease affecting young adults. The majority of the patients are female. The aim of this study is to assess the clinical associations, risk factors and outcomes of the patients with CVST. Methods The data of 75 patients with CVST admitted to our hospital between 2006 and 2016 were reviewed. Demographic and clinical features and the thrombophilic risk factors of the patients were recorded. The localizations of the thrombi were determined and modified Rankin score at the time of onset and discharge were calculated. Results The majority of our patients (78.7%) were female. Median age was 35 years (16-76). The most common symptom was headache (86.7%). In 82.6% of our patients, inherited or acquired risk factors for thrombosis were detected. Transverse sinus was the most common site of thrombosis followed by sigmoid and superior sagittal sinuses. Two thirds of the patients had involvement of multiple sinuses. The patients with the involvement of sagittal sinus had better disability at the time of admittance ( p = 0.013) while the number of involved sinuses was correlated worse disability ( p = 0.015). The neurologic states in the majority of the patients were improved by the end of the hospitalization period ( p = 0.001). There was no significant difference in disability score at discharge between men and women ( p = 0.080). No patient with CVST died in the hospitalization period. Conclusions This study is one of the largest cohort studies on CVST in our region. The results of the study disclosed that CVST had wide range of clinical manifestations and non-specific symptoms at the beginning. For that reason, in especially high risk groups for thrombosis, the diagnosis of CVST should be kept in mind.

Intracranial venous sinus thrombosis as a complication of otitis media in children: Critical review of diagnosis and management.

OBJECTIVES: Otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis (LST) is a rare intracranial complication of acute otitis media (AOM), which can lead to severe neurological sequelae and death. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical presentation, management and outcome of LST in children, investigating a possible correlation between clinical aspects, radiological findings and anatomical variations. METHODS: At a tertiary Italian hospital, a retrospective review was conducted on the medical records of eight patients diagnosed with otogenic LST over a 3-year period. Four children were males and mean age was 4.7 years. RESULTS: All patients had a history of otitis media at diagnosis and 4/8 presented also with more than one neurological sign or symptom. Mastoiditis signs were detected in 5/8 patients. Thrombosis was diagnosed by computed tomography, enhanced magnetic resonance and magnetic resonance venography. Treatment was medical, alone or combined with surgery. Medical treatment consisted in anticoagulants eventually combined with anti-edema medication on clinical basis. Mastoidectomy and/or myringotomy±trans-tympanic drainage placement were performed in 7/8 patients. Complete vessel recanalization was obtained in 6/8 children after a median follow-up time of 4.8 months. No complications, neither clinical sequelae occurred. In our series, neurological signs and symptoms were significantly associated with the presence of hypoplasia of the contralateral venous sinus (p=0.029). CONCLUSION: LST is a severe condition occurring even in absence of otological signs, and despite adequate antibiotic therapy for AOM, which should be ruled out and promptly treated. A dominant neurological presentation is associated in our series with anatomical variations of cerebral sinus venous drainage patterns. This should be carefully evaluated and considered in diagnosis, treatment planning and prognosis.

Paediatric acute mastoiditis, then and now: is it more of a problem now?

BACKGROUND: Acute mastoiditis is a significant cause of morbidity in the paediatric population. This paper reviews our experience with this condition over the last 10 years and compares it with historical data from Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool, UK. METHOD: A retrospective case note review of patients who presented between 2003 and 2012 was performed. RESULTS: Forty-six patients with acute mastoiditis were identified. Imaging with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging was carried out in 14 cases (30.4 per cent). Intracranial complications were identified in six patients (13.0 per cent), one of whom required neurosurgical intervention. In 27 cases (58.7 per cent), a surgical procedure was performed. Data from 1995 to 2000 revealed similar rates of imaging (30.0 per cent), but significantly lower rates of surgical intervention (23 per cent). A lower rate of intracranial complications (4.8 per cent) in the historical cohort did not prove to be statistically significant (p = 0.419). CONCLUSION: The numbers of paediatric patients presenting with acute mastoiditis appears essentially unchanged. Improvement in imaging technology and aids to interpretation may explain the apparent increase of intracranial complications.

Visual and neurologic deterioration in otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis: 15 year experience.

OBJECTIVES: Otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis is a rare complication of acute otitis media whose clinical presentation has changed with the early use of antibiotics. The aim of this study was to analyze the changing clinical signs, vaccination status, therapeutic management and outcome of these patients. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of 10 children treated with otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis in a tertiary level teaching hospital in Budapest, Hungary, from January 1998 till August 2013. RESULTS: Patients were divided into Early and Late presenting groups. In the Early presenting group, sepsis developed within one week after the onset of acute otitis media. At admission otological symptoms were predominant. The Late presenting group experienced acute otitis media several weeks prior to presentation and in this group neurologic symptoms dominated the clinical picture at admission. All patients received antibiotics. Eight of them were also treated with low molecular weight heparin. All children underwent cortical mastoidectomy. After surgery, the clinical signs of elevated intracranial pressure transiently worsened. This manifested as progression of papilledema in seven children, causing severe visual disturbance in two cases. After medical treatment and serial lumbar punctures all patients except one recovered. This child has permanent visual acuity failure of 0.5D unilaterally. At one year follow up complete and partial recanalization were noted in five and two patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: After mastoidectomy the signs of elevated intracranial pressure can transiently worsen, papilledema can progress. Daily bedside monitoring of visual acuity and regular ophthalmoscopy with neurologic examination is recommended during hospitalization. Close follow up is advised up to one year. When the dominant sinus is occluded, the clinical scenario is more protracted and severe.

Otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis: case series and controversies.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to (1) report the clinical presentation, treatment, and sequelae in a series of pediatric patients with otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis and (2) to review the most controversial aspects of management of this rare intracranial complication of otitis media. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of inpatients treated for central venous thrombosis at a tertiary care facility between 1996 and 2012. RESULTS: Five pediatric patients (four male, one female) were identified with otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis. Age at presentation ranged from 13 months to 15 years. All underwent a surgical procedure, ranging from a simple myringotomy with tympanostomy tube placement to tympanomastoidectomy and internal jugular vein ligation or craniotomy. Three were anticoagulated with unfractionated heparin with subsequent transition to low molecular weight heparin of variable duration. One patient developed a non-life-threatening intracranial hemorrhage while on long-term anticoagulation. Follow-up imaging, when available, did not directly correlate complete thrombus resolution with use of anticoagulation or with persistent symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis is a rare intracranial complication of otitis media with significantly reduced morbidity and mortality in the modern era of antibiotic treatment, surgical intervention, and anticoagulation therapy. Due to the rarity of this condition today, the recommended extent of surgical intervention and need for routine anticoagulation are unclear, and requires further data to determine definitively.