Predicting intracranial involvement: Unveiling perineural spread in COVID-19-associated mucormycosis, a novel phenomenon.

This study aimed to investigate the risk factors associated with intracranial involvement in COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) and to develop a nomogram model for predicting the risk of intracranial involvement, with a specific focus on perineural spread. An ambispective analysis was conducted on 275 CAM patients who received comprehensive treatment. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors, and a nomogram was created based on the results of the multivariable analysis. The performance of the nomogram was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and the discriminatory capacity was assessed using the area under the curve (AUC). The model's calibration was assessed through a calibration curve and the Hosmer Lemeshow test. In the results, the multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that age (OR: 1.23, 95% CI 1.06-3.79), HbA1c (OR: 7.168, 95% CI 1.724-25.788), perineural spread (OR: 6.3, 95% CI 1.281-19.874), and the disease stage were independent risk factors for intracranial involvement in CAM. The developed nomogram demonstrated good discriminative capacity with an AUC of 0.821 (95% CI 0.713-0.909) as indicated by the ROC curve. The calibration curve showed that the nomogram was well-calibrated, and the Hosmer Lemeshow test yielded a P-value of 0.992, indicating a good fit for the model. In conclusion, this study found that CAM particularly exhibits perineural spread, which is a predictive factor for intracranial involvement. A nomogram model incorporating age, HbA1c, disease stage, and perineural spread was successfully developed for predicting intracranial involvement in CAM patients in both in-patient and out-patient settings.

Discovery of perineural spread in COVID-19-associated mucormycosis reveals a new predictive model for intracranial complications which is crucial for early intervention.

Intracranial complications of acute mastoiditis: Surgery not always necessary.

INTRODUCTION: Acute mastoiditis (AM) can rapidly become life-threatening with various intracranial complications. The standard care includes antibiotics, mastoidectomy, and drainage. Reports show varying preferences for conservative and surgical treatments, with a more conservative approach gaining popularity. In this study we aim to evaluate the presenting symptoms, management and outcomes of patients presenting with intracranial complications secondary to acute mastoiditis. METHODS: Retrospective review for all children admitted for acute mastoiditis for 12 years period (January 2010-December 2021). Children who had mastoiditis associated with intracranial complications were included in the study. STROBE guidelines were followed in this study. RESULTS: 23 patients were diagnosed with acute mastoiditis with intracranial complications. The mean age was 2.1 years. The most common presenting sign was fever, followed by otalgia. The most common pathogens were Fusobacterium necrophorum and Streptococcus pneumoniae. The most common intracranial complication was sinus vein thrombosis (SVT) affecting 13 patients. Eventually, 10 patients underwent cortical mastoidectomy during 1-6 days upon admission, with an average of 3.2 days. During the follow-up period patients were monitored for clinical progression. Patients who did not show clinical improvement such as persistent fever, worsening symptoms, or the presence of neurological symptoms were treated surgically. The length of stay was an average of 15.5 days overall, with no significantly longer hospital stay in patients who were treated surgically compared to patients who were treated conservatively (17.1 days vs. 14.2 days, P = .26). CONCLUSION: Intracranial complications of acute mastoiditis remain a significant challenge. Selected patients with intracranial complications can be treated conservatively with close monitoring, without increasing the risk of immediate or long-term complications. Initial antimicrobial treatment should cover anaerobic bacteria, as it correlates with severe complications.

Antithrombotic and risk of hemorrhagic complications in over-60-year-olds after mild-minimal traumatic brain injury.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: to identify if antithombotics are risk factors for intracereral lesion in older adults with minimal-mild traumatic brain injury (m-mTBI). RESEARCH DESING: prospective cohort study. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: We included 2,303 patients over 60 years arriving at our Emergency Department within 24 hours of an mTBI with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GSC) of 14-15. Data were gathered on clinical history, cranial CT scans, blood analyses. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: 91.1% had an admission GSC score of 15, and 23.6% developed intracranial complications. In bivariate analyses, statins were associated with a 1.28-fold lower risk of IC. Hemorrhagic progression was 29.76-fold higher in patients receiving anticoagulants, with no difference among anticoagulant types. Male sex, GSC of 14, alcohol consumption, and the presence of tumor were risk factors for IC. In multivariate analysis, GSC of 14, alcohol consumption, and malignancy emerged as risk factors for these complications, neurological disease and diabetes as protective factors. After exclusion of neurological disease and diabetes from the multivariate model, a GSC of 14 showed the highest predictive capacity. CONCLUSIONS: Antithrombotics intake are not risks factor for intracranial injury in minimal-mild brain injury trauma. Further research is needed taking account of their fragility and comorbidities.

[Giant temporal bone cholesteatoma]. / Gigantskaya kholesteatoma visochnoi kosti.

Presented clinical observation of a patient with exacerbation of left-sided chronic purulent otitis media complicated by extradural brain abscess, temporal bone osteomyelitis. The patient underwent a sanitizing operation on the left temporal bone with plastic closure of the defect in the postoperative cavity with a muscular-fascial flap. Described the postoperative management of the patient and presented the results of treatment 2 months after surgery.

Neurological Complications of Acute and Chronic Sinusitis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Acute and chronic sinusitis can give rise to a wide array of intracranial and orbital complications. These complications include brain abscess, subdural empyema, epidural abscess, meningitis, venous sinus thrombosis, frontal bone osteomyelitis, and orbital cellulitis and abscess. Despite numerous medical advances, these complications carry a risk of mortality and significant morbidity. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies have shown improvement in both the mortality and the morbidity associated with the neurologic complications of acute and chronic sinusitis. However, there are still a large portion of patients with long-term sequelae, and the literature reports a morbidity rate of approximately 30%. The most common post-treatment morbidities include permanent changes in vision, seizures, and hemiparesis. Although the overall incidence of neurologic complications from a sinogenic source are rare, the potential long-term complications can be devastating making prompt diagnosis and treatment vital to improving outcomes.

Dramatic reduction of mortality in pneumococcal meningitis.

BACKGROUND: Acute bacterial meningitis is still a life threatening disease. METHODS: We performed a retrospective observational study on the clinical characteristics of consecutively admitted patients with acute pneumococcal meningitis in a single tertiary care center in central Europe (from 2003 until 2015). Data were compared with a previously published historical group of 87 patients treated for pneumococcal meningitis at the same hospital (from 1984 until 2002). RESULTS: Fifty-five consecutive patients with microbiologically proven pneumococcal meningitis were included. Most striking, mortality was down to 5.5 %, which was significantly lower than in the historical group where 24.1 % of the patients did not survive. Intracranial complications during the course of the disease were common and affected half of the patients. Unlike in the historic group, most of the intracranial complications (except ischemic stroke) were no longer associated with a low Glasgow Outcome Score at discharge. CONCLUSION: The drastic reduction of mortality proves there have been important advances in the treatment of pneumococcal meningitis. Nevertheless, the fact that only 44.2 % of survivors had a full recovery indicates that the search for new adjunctive treatment options must be ongoing.

A Scoping Review of the Intracranial Complications of Pediatric Sinusitis.

OBJECTIVE: Intracranial complications of pediatric sinusitis are uncommon but are often associated with significant morbidity, especially when appropriate care is delayed. The present study aimed to identify commonalities for the development and progression of these complications in the pediatric population. DATA SOURCES: CENTRAL, CINAHL, Citation searching, ClinicalTrials.gov, Embase, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and World Health Organization. REVIEW METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses scoping review guidelines. Studies describing intracranial infections secondary to sinusitis in the pediatric population (age <18 years) were included. Studies in which adult and pediatric data were not separated and studies in which the pediatric cohort was fewer than 10 cases were excluded. Ultimately, 33 studies describing 1149 unique patient cases were included for data collection and analysis. RESULTS: Our analysis revealed intracranial complications were more common in adolescent males. Most children presented with over 1 week of vague symptoms, such as headache and fever. The majority of complications were diagnosed radiographically with computed tomography. Subdural empyema and epidural abscess were the most common intracranial complications reported. On average, patients were admitted for over 2 weeks. Most children were treated with a combination of antibiotics and surgical intervention. Complications were rare, but when present, were often associated with significant morbidity. CONCLUSION: This scoping review of the available literature has provided insight into commonalities among pediatric patients who develop intracranial complications of sinusitis, providing a foundation for further study to inform medical and surgical decision-making in this population.

Management of Otogenic Meningitis: A Proposal for Practical Guidelines from a Multicenter Experience with a Systematic Review.

Background: Otogenic meningitis represents the most common and life-threatening complication of infective middle ear diseases. However, no guidelines are available to describe the optimal management strategy and the role of surgical intervention. Methods: A six-year multicenter retrospective study on consecutive patients treated for otogenic meningitis caused by acute otitis and re-exacerbation of chronic otitis at the University Hospital of Verona and Modena was performed, and a systematic review regarding acute otitis media-related meningitis in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 statement was then conducted. Results: From the clinical chart analysis, 16 patients with surgical indications according to our decision-making flow chart were reviewed, with most of them undergoing surgery within 7 days of admission (n = 13, 81%). The systematic review ultimately utilized 24 studies (16 case reports and 8 case series) published between 1990 and 2023, with the overall analysis involving a total of 181 patients. Conclusion: The primary treatment for acute bacterial meningitis relies on antibiotic therapy, with surgical intervention being employed in the event of complications and when the initial treatment is not effective within 48 h. The objective of surgery is to sterilize the tympanic and mastoid cavity, thereby eradicating the suspected infective foci and managing any eventual intracranial complications.

[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.

Surgical management of mastoiditis with intratemporal and intracranial complications in children. Outcome, complications, and predictive factors.

INTRODUCTION: Intratemporal or intracranial complications of acute mastoiditis are often of significant severity, can be life-threatening, and require prompt and usually aggressive treatment. This study focused on analyzing the outcomes and complications of different surgical techniques used in intracranial and intratemporal complications of acute mastoiditis, the most common complication of acute otitis media. METHODS: A retrospective study of pediatric patients with mastoiditis with intratemporal and intracranial complications was designed at the Niño Jesús University Children's Hospital in Madrid, Spain, from 2005 to 2021. RESULTS: Of 417 patients with mastoiditis, 112 patients developed intratemporal and intracranial complications, with subperiosteal abscess being the most frequent complication. The most frequently isolated pathogens were Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Fusobacterium necrophorum. The most used surgical technique was myringotomy with placement of transtympanic drainage, in 86.6% of all cases. In patients with intracranial complications, neurosurgical procedures were necessary for 19.2%, with craniotomy with mastoidectomy being the most frequent. Most of the cases evolved favorably, and only 5.4% of the patients required surgical reintervention, being more frequent in intratemporal complications. In terms of complications, we found cases of neutropenia in 3.6%, neurological sequelae in 5.4%, and permanent hearing loss in 2.7%. CONCLUSIONS: There was a favorable evolution with a low incidence of reoperation and sequelae within our series. The surgical technique of choice correlated with the severity of the complication. If the mean size of the abscess exceeds 20 mm, incision and drainage, along with myringotomy and tube placement, should be considered as the initial treatment. Closed mastoidectomy should be reserved for deteriorating of clinical evolution or acute mastoiditis with intracranial complications. Intracranial and multiple concomitant complications were associated with a more extended hospital stay, ICU occupancy, neurosurgical intervention, and risk of neurological sequelae and neutropenia. Conversely, intratemporal complications may result in permanent hearing loss.

Experience in the management of sigmoid sinus thrombophlebitis secondary to middle ear cholesteatoma.

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the management of sigmoid sinus thrombophlebitis secondary to middle ear cholesteatoma. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed all cases of sigmoid sinus thrombophlebitis caused by middle ear cholesteatoma over a period of 7 years. 7 male and 2 female patients, ranging in age from 9 to 66 years, were diagnosed with sigmoid sinus thrombophlebitis by clinical presentation and radiological examination. By executing a modified mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty (canal wall-down tympanoplasty) to entirely remove the cholesteatoma-like mastoid epithelium, all patients were effectively treated surgically without opening the sigmoid sinus. All patients were treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics, but no anticoagulants were used. RESULTS: 9 patients had otogenic symptoms such as ear pus, tympanic membrane perforation, and hearing loss. In the initial stage of the surgery, modified mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty were performed on 8 of the 9 patients. 1 patient with a brain abscess underwent puncturing (drainage of the abscess) to relieve cranial pressure, and 4 months later, a modified mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty were carried out. Following surgery and medication, the clinical symptoms of every patient improved. After the follow-up of 6 months to 7 years, 3 patients were re-examined for MRV and showed partial sigmoid sinus recovery with recanalization. 4 months following middle ear surgery, the extent of a patient's brain abscess lesions was significantly reduced. 1 patient experienced facial paralysis after surgery and recovered in 3 months. None of the patients had a secondary illness, an infection, or an abscess in a distant organ. CONCLUSION: The key to a better prognosis is an adequate course of perioperative antibiotic medication coupled with surgical treatment. A stable sigmoid sinus thrombus can remain for a long time after middle ear lesions have been removed, and it is less likely to cause infection and abscesses in the distant organs. The restoration of middle ear ventilation is facilitated by tympanoplasty. It is important to work more closely with multidisciplinary teams such as neurology and neurosurgery when deciding whether to perform lateral sinusotomies to remove thrombus or whether to administer anticoagulation.

Pediatric Sinogenic Subdural Empyema: Case Report and Operative Technique.

Intracranial complications of sinusitis in the pediatric age are rare but potentially life threatening. They usually occur with nonspecific symptoms such as headache, fever, nausea and vomiting rather than a classic neurological presentation, but they may evolve in few hours, leading to significant morbidity with permanent brain damage and sometimes to death. For this reason, early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential. Our case demonstrates a sinogenic subdural empyema in an immunocompetent young boy who reached our Emergency Department due to a continuous right-sided headache, unresponsive to pain relievers. The clinical history and the diagnostic process are described: at first, laboratory exams, neurologic and otolaryngological assessment were performed, together with a cranial CT scan showing an inflammatory involvement of the right frontal, ethmoidal and maxillary sinuses. Intravenous antibiotic therapy was initiated. After a few hours the patient showed a sudden worsening of his clinical conditions: he was drowsy with left lower extremity hyposthenia and ipsilateral deep tendon reflexes absence. Considering the patient's aggravated clinical presentation an emergent MRI with contrast enhancement was conducted, showing left midline shift, a widening of the liquor space on the right frontal and parietal convexity and noticeable meningeal enhancement after contrast injection. After a Neurosurgical and ENT evaluation the patient was taken to the operating room for a combined craniotomy and trans-nasal endoscopic drainage of the empyema. We present the surgical procedure with a pictorial step-by-step description. After the surgical procedure the patient's condition gradually improved. He regained full neurological function, was accompanied by a rehabilitation team on recovering full force on the left extremities. At discharge the patient had no apparent neurological deficits. Subdural empyema is a rare but severe complication of pediatric sinusitis. Early diagnosis with combined medical and surgical therapies play a key role to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Acute Otitis Media with Intracranial and Intratemporal Complications: A Case Study.

Acute otitis media continues to be one of the most common infections today and a major cause of the prescription of antibiotics in the pediatric age group. Complications of this condition are rare, especially when antibiotic therapy is started early; however, complications related to acute otitis media cause dramatic morbidity. This report provides a review related to a case of acute otitis media with bilateral intracranial and intratemporal complications.

Orbital Cellulitis and Frontal Epicranial Empyema Secondary to Pansinusitis: A Case Report.

Orbital cellulitis is a relatively uncommon complication of sinusitis. Its association with intracranial complications is rare. We present the case of a 36-year-old patient with no associated risk factors who presented with a four-day history of headache, periorbital inflammation, suppuration, and necrosis. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a frontal epidural abscess and signs of chronic pansinusitis. This case highlights the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for complications of this condition and the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach in managing this rare complication.

Awareness Among Primary Care Physicians Regarding the Alarm Symptoms and Signs of Rhinosinusitis.

Background Rhinosinusitis is a common condition. Primary care physicians (PCPs) play a vital role in diagnosing and managing rhinosinusitis, including identifying alarm symptoms and signs. However, limited research exists on PCPs' awareness of these alarm symptoms. Objectives This study aimed to assess the awareness of PCPs in Saudi Arabia regarding the alarm symptoms and signs of rhinosinusitis and identify knowledge gaps. Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 153 PCPs in Taif, Saudi Arabia. An online questionnaire covering demographic data and multiple-choice questions on alarm symptoms and signs of rhinosinusitis was administered. Knowledge level was assessed based on the score of the responses to knowledge items. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS software (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results The study revealed a low awareness of alarm symptoms and signs of rhinosinusitis among PCPs. Knowledge gaps were observed in recognizing symptoms and appropriate referral pathways. Participants showed inadequate awareness of severe headaches, frontal swelling, anosmia, cacosmia, and nasal bleeding or crustation as alarm symptoms. The average knowledge score was 4.57 ± 1.91 out of 10. Conclusion The study highlights the need to improve PCP awareness of alarm symptoms and signs of rhinosinusitis in Saudi Arabia. Educational programs should be developed to address knowledge gaps and enhance understanding of guidelines, facilitating early identification and referral of severe cases and improving patient outcomes.

Intracranial invasive group A streptococcus: a neurosurgical emergency in children.

OBJECTIVE: Invasive group A streptococcus (iGAS) infections are associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. CNS involvement is rare, with iGAS accounting for only 0.2%-1% of all childhood bacterial meningitis. In 2022, a significant increase in scarlet fever and iGAS was reported globally with a displacement of serotype, causing a predominance of the emm1.0 subtype. Here, the authors report on iGAS-related suppurative intracranial complications requiring neurosurgical intervention and prolonged antibiotic therapy. METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective chart review of consecutive cases of confirmed GAS in pediatric neurosurgical patients. RESULTS: Five children with a median age of 9 years were treated for intracranial complications of GAS infection over a 2-month period between November 2022 and December 2022. All patients had preceding illnesses, including chicken pox and upper respiratory tract infections. Infections included subdural empyema with associated encephalitis (n = 2), extradural empyema (n = 1), intracranial abscess (n = 1), and diffuse global meningoencephalitis (n = 1). Streptococcus pyogenes was cultured from 4 children, and 2 were of the emm1.0 subtype. Antimicrobial therapy in all patients included a third-generation cephalosporin but varied in adjunctive therapy, often including a toxin synthesis inhibitor antibiotic such as clindamycin. Neurological outcomes varied; 3 patients returned to near neurological baseline, 1 had significant residual neurological deficits, and 1 patient died. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the worldwide increased incidence, intracranial complications remain rarely reported resulting in a lack of awareness of iGAS-related intracranial disease. Awareness of intracranial complications of iGAS and prompt referral to a pediatric neurology/neurosurgical center is crucial to optimize neurological outcomes.

Management Strategy of Intracranial Complications of Sinusitis: Our Experience and Review of the Literature.

Objective: Sinusitis or rhinosinusitis is a very common disease worldwide, and in some cases, it leads to intracranial complications (ICS). These are more common in immunocompromised patients or with underlying comorbidities, but even healthy individuals, can be affected. Nowadays, ICS have become less common thanks to improved antibiotic therapies, radiological diagnostic methods, surgical techniques and skills. Nonetheless, they can still cause significant morbidity and mortality. For this reason, management of these complications requires a multidisciplinary approach to plan and customize treatment options. This paper presents our strategy in the management of a series of intracranial complications induced by acute sinusitis and compares our experience and outcomes with the literature. Study design: Single institute experience, retrospective analysis of cases series and literature review. Methods: Adult and child patients who were treated for ICS in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Sion Hospital, in Switzerland from 2016 to 2020 were included. Their symptoms, medical history, clinical and radiological findings, treatment, and outcome were documented. Results: Eight patients (6 males- 2 females) aged from 14 to 88 y.o., were enrolled. None had any previous history of chronic, or recurrent sinusitis. Moreover, very few presented specific rhinological symptoms, but with neurological or other symptoms. Computed tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) were used to confirm the diagnosis of all ICS. All types of known intracranial complications were observed in our cohort with a wide range of extension and severity of sinusitis. A multidisciplinary approach with individual treatments was tailored to each patient. Outcomes were favorable in almost all patients with neither recurrence, nor neurological sequels being observed in the follow-up. Only one patient was lost due to fatal complications of advanced lung cancer. Conclusion: ICS remain a challenging clinical problem due to substantial associated morbidity and mortality. The incidence of these complications is relatively low. Therapeutical management guidelines are lacking. Early detection and multidisciplinary approach are key to successful treatment.

Concurrent management of suppurative intracranial complications of sinusitis and acute otitis media in children.

OBJECTIVE: Intracranial complications of sinusitis and acute otitis media (AOM) are rare but life-threatening events. In children with suppurative intracranial complications, concurrent neurosurgical and otolaryngological (ORL) intervention has been recommended to optimize outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate outcomes following concurrent neurosurgical and ORL intervention. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of children undergoing neurosurgical intervention for intracranial complications of sinusitis or AOM in two neurosurgical centres in Ireland was conducted. RESULTS: 65 children were identified. Mean age was 11.9 years. The most prevalent symptoms were headache, pyrexia, altered level of consciousness, facial swelling, and vomiting. Subdural empyema (n = 24, 36.9%) and extradural abscess (n = 17, 26.2%) were the most common complications. 54 underwent same admission ORL intervention; 47 (87%) were performed concurrently or earlier. For rhinogenic infections, 35 (64.8%) underwent endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), 13 (24.1%) underwent frontal sinus trephine, and 5 (9.3%) underwent maxillary sinus washout alone. For otogenic infections, 10 (90.9%) underwent mastoidectomy and 7 (63.6%) underwent tympanostomy tube placement. 19 (29.2%) had post-operative neurological deficits, of which 2 (3.1%) were permanent. Streptococcus intermedius was the most common pathogen (n = 30, 46.2%). Concurrent intervention reduced the prevalence of residual collection (p = 0.018) and the need for revision neurosurgical intervention (p = 0.039) for sinogenic complications. The same trends did not achieve statistical significance for the otogenic group. Mortality was 0%. CONCLUSION: Intracranial complications of sinusitis and AOM are best managed in a specialist centre with multidisciplinary input. Concurrent ORL and neurosurgical intervention reduces abscess recurrence and requirement for revision neurosurgery in sinogenic complications and should represent the standard of care. ESS is the ORL modality of choice in experienced hands.

Acute isolated sphenoid sinusitis in children: A case series and systematic review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to present a case series and systematic review of acute isolated sphenoid sinusitis (AISS) in children in order to better characterize clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of this condition. DATA SOURCES: Ovid MEDLINE, Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. STUDY SELECTION: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Full-text, peer-reviewed journal publications from 1994 to 2020 in English; focus on acute sphenoid sinusitis; pediatric patients (<18 years of age); series with two or more children. Studies were assessed for data including demographics, presenting symptoms and signs, radiological investigations, treatment, outcomes and complications. RESULTS: Ten studies identifying 71 patients were included. Average age at presentation was 12.0 years (range 5-17 years). M:F ratio 1:1. The most common presenting symptoms were headache (98.6%), fever (50.7%), nasal symptoms (22.5%) ocular symptoms (19.7%) and decreased level of consciousness (12.7%). Twenty patients (28.1%) had neurological signs. Twenty-three patients (32.4%) presented with headache in isolation. Unsuspected diagnosis at presentation was noted in 54.0%. Average time to initial presentation was 14.0 days (median = 5.5 days, range 1-90 days). The majority of children were treated with antibiotics (98.6%) with 31.0%, 2.8% and 2.8% also undergoing sinus surgery, revision sinus surgery and neurosurgery, respectively. Intracranial complications occurred in 16.9% of patients. Significant long term sequelae occurred in 2 children (2.8%) and one death (1.4%) was also reported. LIMITATIONS: All studies were retrospective case note reviews. CONCLUSIONS: Acute sphenoid sinusitis is a rare and difficult condition to diagnose in children. The majority of patients make a full recovery with appropriate treatment. If treatment is delayed however consequences can be life-threatening.

Frontal Sinus Drainage in Acute Pediatric Sinusitis With Intracranial Complications.

BACKGROUND: The indication for frontal sinus drainage is uncertain when managing pediatric acute sinusitis with intracranial complications. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective was to determine if addressing the frontal sinus reduced need for subsequent surgical procedures in children presenting with acute sinusitis complicated by intracranial abscess. METHODS: A case series with chart review was performed at a tertiary children's hospital between 2007 and 2019. Children under 18 years of age requiring surgery for complicated acute sinusitis that included the frontal sinus with noncontiguous intracranial abscess were included. Outcomes were compared among children for whom the frontal sinus was drained endoscopically, opened intracranially, or left undrained. RESULTS: Thirty-five children with a mean age of 11.1 years (95% CI: 9.9-12.3) met inclusion. Most presented with epidural abscess (37%). Hospitalizations lasted 12.9 days (95% CI: 10.2-15.5), 46% required a second surgery, 11% required three or more surgeries, and 31% were readmitted within 60 days. Initial surgery for 29% included endoscopic frontal sinusotomy, 34% had a frontal sinus cranialization and 37% did not have any initial drainage of the frontal sinus. Groups were similar with respect to demographics, severity of infection, need for repeat surgery, length of stay, and readmissions (p > .05). Further, persistence of cranial neuropathies, seizures, or major neurological sequelae after discharge were no different among groups (p > .05). CONCLUSION: Drainage of the frontal sinus, when technically feasible, was not associated with reduced surgical procedures or increased complications and there is unclear benefit on measured clinical outcomes.