Acute mastoiditis complicated by cerebral venous sinus thrombosis in children

Aim: Diagnosis and management of complicated mastoiditis in childhood are still controversial. We investigated the clinical manifestations, evaluation and management of children with mastoiditis complicated with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis.

Methods: Retrospective cohort study that included all children admitted for acute mastoiditis over the last 5 years. Children were divided in two groups based on the presence or not of venous sinus thrombosis. Clinical, laboratory, imaging and management data were retrieved and compared.

Results: Overall, 20 children with acute mastoiditis were included, of whom 5 had magnetic resonance imaging-confirmed cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). In all complicated cases, neurological signs rather than mastoiditis signs, prevailed. The more prominent neurologic signs observed were lethargy (60%), nuchal rigidity (60%), abducens nerve palsy (60%) and ataxic gait (20%). Treatment consisted of intravenous antibiotics combined with anticoagulation. Surgery was performed in four children (4/5). Complicated cases had prolonged symptoms prior to admission (p 0.002), presented with neurologic signs and symptoms (p < 0.001), underwent more often lumbar puncture (p < 0.001) and brain imaging (p < 0.001), and were treated with prolonged courses of antibiotics and surgery (<0.001), compared to children with uncomplicated mastoiditis.

Conclusion: Neurological signs and symptoms and elevated ICP dominate in children with mastoiditis complicated with thrombosis. Brain imaging is essential for early diagnosis of cerebral venous sinus complications and appropriate management.