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Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid otorrhoea via oval window: an obscure cause of recurrent meningitis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 March 2006

D.T.W. Teo ,
T.Y. Tan ,
S.P. Eng  and
Y.M. Chan
D.T.W. Teo
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
T.Y. Tan
Affiliation:
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Changi General Hospital, Singapore
S.P. Eng
Affiliation:
Division of Otolaryngology, Changi General Hospital, Singapore.
Y.M. Chan
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
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Abstract

Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak via the oval window is uncommon and can result in recurrent bacterial meningitis. Current understanding of spontaneous CSF otorrhoea is reviewed and a diagnostic algorithm is presented.

A seven-year-old boy presented with bilateral congenital deafness and recurrent meningitis. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the temporal bone showed a labyrinthine deformity and communication between the internal auditory canal (IAC) and the cochlea. Subtotal petrosectomy with closure of the external acoustic meatus and eustachian tube was performed. Post-operatively, the child had no further episodes of meningitis.

This rare and obscure cause of recurrent childhood meningitis requires a high index of suspicion and the use of diagnostic tools, especially HRCT.

Keywords

DeafnessMeningitisCerebrospinal Fluid OtorrhoeaPetrous BoneSurgery
Type
Research Article
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 118 , Issue 9 , September 2004 , pp. 717 - 720
Copyright
© 2004 Royal Society of Medicine Press

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