Cochlear implant explantation as a sequela of severe chronic otitis media: case report and review of the literature.
BACKGROUND
In the 1980s, intracranial and inner ear infections were feared complications in patients with recurrent or chronic otitis media (COM) who had undergone cochlear implantation. Current studies show a low incidence of such complications. We present a case of a patient who developed severe COM requiring cochlear explantation.


METHODS
Our patient had a previous cleft palate repair and as a three-year-old was implanted with a Nucleus-24 implant. She developed chronic otorrhea in the implanted ear, which was managed by her pediatrician until her cochlear implant stopped functioning. Radiographic imaging revealed erosion of the cochlea and extrusion of the distal electrode medially in the petrous apex.


METHODS
Tertiary care university hospital.


RESULTS
The patient underwent cochlear explantation, subtotal petrosectomy, obliteration of ear, and intravenous antibiotic therapy. One month later she was implanted in the contralateral ear.


CONCLUSIONS
COM poses potentially severe complications in patients receiving cochlear implants. Patients receiving cochlear implants who are at high risk for COM require follow-up for an extended period of time.
Roehm
Pamela C
PC
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1078, USA.
Gantz
Bruce J
BJ
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003054:Cochlear Implants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003646:Debridement; D020878:Device Removal; D004432:Ear, Middle / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D010035:Otitis Media, Suppurative / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D012086:Reoperation; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents