Acute mastoiditis and intracranial complications in children

Objectives: Characterisation of clinical manifestations in children who had acute mastoiditis (AM) -related intracranial complications (ICCs) and to determine the incidence of ICCs in the study group. To define children with a higher risk of ICCs and gain new information on aetiological microbial agents of AM. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 137 paediatric patients with AM treated at a tertiary centre using standard dia­gnostic and therapeutic protocol between 2002 and 2019. Results: Altogether 137 patients with AM were hospitalised at our centre between 2002 and 2019. During this time, the occurrence of ICC in children with AM was low (n = 3, incidence 2.19%). Due to the low number of patients with ICC with AM in our patient group, we were unable to define a specific group of patients with a higher risk of ICC development in AM. Despite this fact, the average value and median of CRP were considerably higher in patients with AM-associated ICCs. The most frequent aetiological agent was Streptococcus pneumoniae. Conclusions: The low incidence of ICC in patients with AM in our patient group might be caused by routinely performed paracentesis in developed acute otitis, rational antibio­tic therapy and the good availability of an ENT specialist in the Czech Republic. The most common aetiological agent of AM was Streptococcus pneumoniae. Keywords: Streptococcus pneumoniae – acute mastoiditis – intracranial complications – aetiological agent – antibio­tic therapy – antromastoidectomy

Systemic antibiotic therapy of patients with acute bacterial sinusitis taking into account resistance

Acute rhinosinusitis is one of the most common diseases in the world. According to statistics, about 10 million cases are registered in Russia every year.Acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS) in most cases develops as a result of an acute respiratory viral disease, proceeds easily and it does not require antibiotic therapy. However, it significantly reduces the patient's quality of life in cases of moderate and severe disease, and in the absence of timely treatment, can lead to intracranial complications (meningitis, encephalitis, intracranial abscesses, etc.) and orbital (reactive edema of the eyelid, phlegmon of the orbit, periorbital abscesses, etc.). To avoid complications, with exacerbation of rhinosinusitis, it is necessary to choose the right antibiotic therapy, taking into account the resistance of the microorganisms that caused the disease.The article describes the differential diagnosticprinciples of bacterial rhinosinusitis according to the latest recommendations and research in this area, the most common antibiotic-resistant pathogens in the practice of an ENT doctor are presented, the issue of choosing the correct systemic antibiotic therapy for the treatment of patients with moderate and severe acute bacterial rhinosinusitis is considered according to modern data on the sensitivity of bacterial pathogens to antibacterial drugs prescribed in the otorhinolaryngologist's practice. The article presents data on a new universal cephalosporin of the 3rd generation (the active ingredient is cefditoren), as a second- and third-line drug, due to its high activity against most causative agents of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis, and clinical observation using the above antibacterial agent within the framework of the considered topics.

Mastoiditis and Citelli’s abscess: a case report

<p>Citelli’s abscess is a rare often undocumented complication of otitis media. This is a case of a 52-year-old lady with learning difficulties, who presented with right sided mastoid swelling. On initial consultation the patient denied any otological symptoms but after being discharged and returning with her mother it was revealed she suffered with otalgia the previous month. On her return, the mastoid swelling had increased in size and there was also a large swelling across the right side of the neck. CT scan showed mastoiditis with Citelli’s abscess. The patient underwent a cortical mastoidectomy and myringotomy as well as drainage of the neck abscess. The report emphasises the importance of a clear, concise history and urgent surgical intervention to prevent further spread of the infection and potential intracranial complications.</p>

264. A 20-year Study of Intracranial Pyogenic Complications of Sinusitis in Children

Background Intracranial pyogenic complications of sinusitis in children are relatively uncommon but can lead to serious sequelae. The objective of this study was to characterize the clinical, epidemiologic and microbiologic characteristics of children with such complications over a 20-year period (2000- 2019). Methods Single-center retrospective chart review. Cases were identified based on International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 diagnostic codes (intracranial abscess or granuloma, extradural and subdural abscess, Pott’s puffy tumor, acute or chronic sinusitis) and by reviewing all microbiological samples of intracranial pus, tissue or fluid. Results 108 cases of clinically and/or radiologically diagnosed sinusitis were included after review of 1591 charts. The majority were adolescents (median age 12, IQR 9-14); 72 were male (67%). The most common presenting symptoms were fever (84%), headache (87%) and symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection (57%). Median symptom duration was 10 days (IQR 5-21) and 55 cases (51%) received oral antibiotics prior to admission. The most frequent complications were epidural empyema (n=50, 46%), subdural empyema (n=46, 43%) and Pott’s puffy tumor (n= 31, 29%). 50% (n=54) underwent neurosurgery, of which 20% (n=11) required multiple craniectomies. 38% (n=41) underwent otolaryngological surgery. Microbiological data from sterile specimens demonstrated single organisms in 36 cases (59%) and polymicrobial growth in 25 cases (41%). The most frequently identified pathogens were Streptococcus anginosus (n=40, 66%) followed by Fusobacterium species (n=10, 16%) and Prevotella species (n=10,16%). Most cases were treated with combination antibiotic therapy (n=68, 63%) and 14% (n=15) with a carbapenem. The median duration of intravenous antibiotic therapy was 51 days (IQR 42-80). One child died and 23% (n=25) suffered neurological sequelae (median follow-up 344 days). 48 cases (44%) occurred between 2014-2019. Conclusion Intracranial complications of sinusitis continue to cause significant morbidity in children. The predominant causative pathogen was Streptococcus anginosus. Polymicrobial infections are common, confirming the need for prolonged broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment. Disclosures Sharon Cushing, MD, MSc, FRCSC, Cochlear Corporation (Research Grant or Support)Cochlear Corporation (Speaker’s Bureau)Interacoustics (Speaker’s Bureau)Plural publishing (Other Financial or Material Support, Royalties: editor: manual of pediatric balance disorders)

High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) Evaluation of Temporal Bone Infectious Pathologies - A Study from a Tertiary Care Hospital, Valsad, Gujarat

BACKGROUND The complicated middle and inner ear anatomy challenge the diagnostic ease in radiological evaluation of the temporal bone. Their tiny dimension and close neighbouring of the structures limited the successful imaging facilities for long periods of time. Conventional radiological procedures have been inadequate for diagnostic imaging but recently multidirectional tomography and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) has gained importance. Inflammatory and infectious diseases of the temporal bone are a major indication to perform highresolution CT. Such studies allow one to evaluate the extent of the disease in the soft tissues and in the bony structures of the temporal bone. The purpose of this study was to evaluate temporal bone infectious pathologies using high resolution computed tomography (HRCT). METHODS The study is completely observational & retrospective type of study. HRCT of temporal bone was carried out on 50 cases with SIEMENS SOMATOM emotion 16 slice CT scan machine, GMERS Medical College & Hospital, Valsad, Gujarat depending upon the availability from February 2019 to January 2020 including all age groups, both sexes with suspicion of temporal bone infective pathologies based on sign and symptoms. RESULTS Out of 50 patients, 38 patients were diagnosed with chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) and 12 patients were diagnosed with acute suppurative otitis media (ASOM), of which 65 % of CSOM showed cholesteatoma formation. All the patients with ASOM showed air-fluid levels. Male to female ratio was nearly 1.77 : 1. Out of which, 52 % were paediatric patients. Common symptoms were ear, discharge, headache and deafness. Most commonly affected site was right side. There were 6 extra cranial and 2 intracranial complications seen. CONCLUSIONS Due to the ability to delineate the bony and soft tissue anatomy with high accuracy, high-resolution CT is the imaging modality of choice for topographic evaluation of temporal infective pathologies and their extracranial and intracranial complications. KEYWORDS ASOM, CSOM, Cholesteatoma, Air Fluid Level, Pneumatization, Ossicles, Middle Ear, Inner Ear, Complications

Short- and Long-Term Safety and Efficacy of Self-Expandable Leo Stents Used Alone or with Coiling for Ruptured and Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms: A Retrospective Observational Study

To assess the efficacy and safety of the Leo stent used alone or with coiling to treat complex intracranial aneurysms (IAs) not eligible for simple or balloon-assisted coiling, this single-center retrospective study included consecutive adults with ruptured or unruptured IAs treated in 2011–2018 by stenting with or without coiling. The indication for stenting was IA complexity precluding simple or balloon-assisted coiling. Extensive data on the patients, IAs, antiplatelet treatments, procedures, and outcomes over the first 36 months were collected. Risk factors for early complications (univariate analysis) and delayed ischemia (multivariate analysis) were sought. We include 64 patients with 66 IAs. The procedural success rate was 65/66 (98.5%). Obliteration was Raymond Roy class I or II for 85% of IAs. Six patients died including four of the 12 patients presenting with subarachnoid hemorrhage, which was the only significant risk factor for early major complications. At 1 month, 45/64 (69%) had no disabilities. No rebleeding was reported. Ischemia was detected by routine MRI in 20 (35%) of the 57 patients with long-term data and was asymptomatic in 14. The stent-within-a-stent configuration was the only independent risk factor for ischemia. The Leo stent used alone or with coils to manage challenging IAs was associated with a high procedural success rate and complete or nearly complete IA obliteration of 85% of IAs. The high frequency of ischemia is ascribable to our use of routine serial MRI. In patients with bleeding, the Leo stent was associated with an excess risk of early, major, intracranial complications, as compared to patients without bleeding. Long-term follow-up was marked by the occurrence of ischemic events in the vascular territory of the stent, mostly silent.

Pott’s Puffy Tumor - Overview of case series

Pott’s puffy tumor (PPT) is rare and usually seen as a complication of frontal sinusitis that has been neglected or partially treated, resulting in subperiosteal abscess of the frontal bone with underlying osteomyelitis, which can lead to life-threatening intracranial complications, such as epidural/subdural empyema, cerebral abscess and meningitis. Given this, the purpose of the present study was to gather the most diverse cases reported together to highlight the main treatment methods. Methods: It is a narrative review, starting from the search in the database PubMed, Lilacs and Scielo from 2010 to 2020, which resulted in 34 scientific articles. The search focused on obtaining data on new approaches and treatments established for Pott’s puffy tumor. Results: 34 articles were included which described 58 patients with a swollen Pott tumor, occurring predominantly in male adolescents, with streptococci (26,1%) as the main etiologic agent. Approximately 84% of all patients were male subjects. The most prevalent intracranial complication was an epidural or extradural abscess (84,2%). Regarding PTT therapy, all patients received antibiotic therapy (ATB), and the main empirical antimicrobial scheme used was cephalosporin third generation, with vancomycin and metronidazole. In most cases, surgery was performed using several techniques, mainly an external surgical approach, external drainage (ED) of the subperiosteal abscess associated with endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). In general, the prognosis is favorable, even if neurological symptoms are present at admission. Conclusion: Based on available literature, PPT is a profoundly serious complication, which can be easily avoided if treated with the ATB, ED and ESS triad immediately, and, if necessary, craniotomy.

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

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.

Sinogenic Intracranial Suppuration in Children: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Objective To evaluate temporal trends in the management of sinogenic intracranial suppuration and its outcomes in children. Data Sources A systematic search of databases was performed (Medline, Embase, Cochrane, ClinicalTrials.gov). Review Methods Studies in children (age <18 years) with sinogenic subdural empyema, extradural abscess, and intraparenchymal abscess were included. Data on treatment strategies were extracted. Primary outcome was death <90 days. Secondary outcomes were return to theater, neurologic disability at 6 months, and length of stay. Random effects meta-analysis and meta-regression were performed to investigate the effect of time and endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) on these outcomes. Results A total of 32 retrospective observational studies involving 533 patients recruited across a 45-year period (1975-2020) were included. The pooled estimates for 90-day mortality, permanent neurologic disability, and return to theater were 2.3% (95% CI, 1.1%-3.6%; I2 = 0, P > .99), 21.3% (95% CI, 15.3%-27.3%; I2 = 75.2%, P < .001), and 37.3% (95% CI, 29.5%-45%; I2 = 71.2%, P < .001), respectively, with no significant differences found across the study period. The pooled estimate for ESS was 58.4% (95% CI, 44.2%-72.6%; I2 = 97.1%, P < .001) with a significantly increasing trend in its use in the more recent years. ESS was not associated with improved mortality, reduced need for revision surgery, or neurologic disability. Conclusion The outcomes of sinogenic intracranial complications have not changed over the last 45 years, and ESS was not associated with improved patient outcomes. Further high-quality studies are required to determine the most appropriate treatment modalities to improve the burden of morbidity associated with sinogenic intracranial suppuration in children.