Transmastoid and Transtemporal Drainage of Petrous Apicitis with Otitis Media

Background: Petrous apicitis (PA) is a serious infection involving the apical portion of the petrous temporal bone. The classic triad of purulent otorrhea, ipsilateral abducens nerve palsy and retroorbital pain is rarely seen due to early detection and widespread use of antibiotics. Medical management is the primary treatment modality with surgery reserved for cases of recalcitrant petrous apex abscess. Methods and Results: We presented a case of PA with previously untreated otitis media. After multidisciplinary evaluation, the patient was initially treated with intravenous antibiotics followed by drainage of the abscess using a combined transmastoid and middle cranial fossa (MCF) approach. The patient recovered well with no recurrence of the infection based on imaging and symptoms. Discussion: While a variety of different surgical approaches can be used in treatment of PA, we recommend the MCF approach in cases where access to the anterior petrous apex may be challenging via transcanal or transmastoid approach.

Automated summary

Petrous apicitis (PA) is a serious infection involving the apical portion of the petrous temporal bone, with the classic triad of symptoms rarely seen due to early detection and antibiotic use. This case report presented a successful treatment approach for PA using a combined transmastoid and middle cranial fossa (MCF) approach after multidisciplinary evaluation. The patient recovered well with no recurrence of infection.