Intracranial Complications of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media with Cholesteatoma – A Retrospective Study

ABSTRACT

Background: Chronic suppurative otitis media is a common problem in our part of the world and few end up with intracranial complication. Brain abscess, meningitis and lateral sinus thrombosis are the most common intracranial complications. Emergency Multi-specialty Intervention can prevent mortality. Aim: The objective of the study is to determine various types of intracranial complications affecting adult population with of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media with Cholesteatoma in our institution. Methods: All admitted cases of intracranial complications due to chronic suppurative otitis media with cholesteatoma of any age and gender were included. Results: The most common age group was between 11 and 20 years and males were 80% more affected than females. And 90% of patients presented with unilateral disease of ear and 73% of cases had attic pathology. Incidence of intracranial complication in patients with CSOM with cholesteatoma was 1%. The most common complication was brain abscess (20%) followed by meningitis (20%), lateral sinus thrombosis (13.3%) and extradural abscess (16%). Conclusion: Brain abscess is the commonest intracranial complication of chronic suppurative otitis media with cholesteatoma followed by Meningitis. Early surgical intervention in combination with broad spectrum antibiotics provides a good outcome.