Recurrent meningitis associated with a petrous apex cephalocele

J Child Neurol. 2005 Feb;20(2):168-70. doi: 10.1177/08830738050200021801.

Abstract

We present the case of a 6-year-old girl with recurrent bacterial meningitis and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea associated with a petrous apex cephalocele (PAC). We diagnosed her by means of three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) and heavily T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Petrous apex cephaloceles are usually an asymptomatic incidental finding in adults; however, they should be considered as a possible cause of CSF rhinorrhea, otorrhea, and recurrent meningitis in children.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea / etiology
  • Child
  • Encephalocele / complications*
  • Encephalocele / diagnosis
  • Encephalocele / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Meningitis, Pneumococcal / etiology*
  • Petrous Bone / abnormalities*
  • Petrous Bone / surgery
  • Recurrence