Nonseptic and Septic Lateral Sinus Thrombosis: A Review

Thrombosis of the lateral sinus can be classified into nonseptic lateral sinus thrombosis and septic lateral sinus thrombosis. Nonseptic lateral sinus thrombosis differs from septic lateral sinus thrombosis in that it is not associated with ear or sinus infection. Etiologies of these conditions are different and hence the management of these conditions is different. Nonseptic lateral sinus thrombosis requires medical line of management and anticoagulant therapy, where as septic lateral sinus thrombosis needs surgical treatment along with antibiotics therapy. An otologist should be familiar with the septic lateral sinus thrombosis existence and nonseptic variant lateral sinus thrombosis for early recognition and initiation of appropriate treatment.