Subdural empyema, retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal space abscess: Unusual complications of chronic otitis media

Introduction. Otitic complications arise from expansion of the middle ear infection. Subdural empyema is a rare otitic complication, and both retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal abscesses have been described in just a few cases. Case report. A 30-year-old male was, admitted as an emergency case b...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Erdevički Ljiljana, Belić Branislav, Arsenijević Snežana, Milojević Ivan, Stojanović Jasmina
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Serbia, University of Defence, Belgrade 2012-01-01
Series:Vojnosanitetski Pregled
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.doiserbia.nb.rs/img/doi/0042-8450/2012/0042-84501205449E.pdf
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Introduction. Otitic complications arise from expansion of the middle ear infection. Subdural empyema is a rare otitic complication, and both retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal abscesses have been described in just a few cases. Case report. A 30-year-old male was, admitted as an emergency case because of breathing difficulties, secretion from the ear, and fever. Clinical examination had shown a purulent, fetid secretion from the ear, swelling on the roof of epipharynx, left tonsil pushed medialy, immobile epiglottis, reduced breathing space. Computed tomography revealed thick hypodense content filling cavity, mastoid entering the posterior cranial fossa, descending down throw the parapharyngeal space to the mesopharynx. On the roof and posterior wall of the epipharynx hypodense collection was also present. Tracheotomy was conducted, and incision of the parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal abscess and radical tympanomastoidectomy were performed. The patient’s state deteriorated on the tenth postoperative day with hemiparesis and consciousness disorder. Magnetic resonance imaging was done. It showed subdural empyema of the left frontoparietal region and next to the falx, so craniotomy and abscess drainage were conducted. Conclusion. Parapharyngeal, retropharyngeal abscess and subdural empyema are rare otitic complications. Adequate antibiotic therapy and radical surgical treatment make possible an outcome with survival.
ISSN:0042-8450