Lateral sinus thrombosis with cranial nerves palsies

Lateral sinus thrombosis is a well-known complication of otitis media. The classical picture is often modified by previous antibiotic therapy, making the diagnosis and management difficult. A 14-year-old male patient with attico antral type of otitis media presented with fever, headache, deviation of left eye and deviation of tongue to left on protrusion. On investigation patient was found to have lateral sinus thrombosis, petrous apicitis, meningitis and internal jugular vein thrombosis along with cranial nerves palsies. Patient underwent radical mastoidectomy and intravenous antibiotics were given for 2 weeks. Patient recovered well in 1 month. Lateral sinus thrombosis is now a rare intracranial complication of otitis media. The presence of lateral sinus thrombosis mandates further investigation for additional complication. Here a case of lateral sinus thrombosis with internal jugular vein thrombosis, petrous apicitis, abducent and hypoglossal nerves palsies is presented for its rarity. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.