Morbid complications of otitic hydrocephalus.
OBJECTIVE
To report two cases of otitic hydrocephalus with long-term complications.


METHODS
Retrospective case reports.


METHODS
Two patients with otitic hydrocephalus with previously diagnosed otitis media.


METHODS
Review of clinical history, radiographic findings, medical and surgical management, and follow-up.


RESULTS
Two patients with previously diagnosed otitis media presented with otitic hydrocephalus. Both were found to have elevated opening pressures with lumbar puncture and radiographic evidence of sinus thrombosis. Although the patients received appropriate medical and surgical management, they both suffered long-term complications. Patient 1 is dependent on a ventriculoperitoneal shunt to control headaches and has required multiple shunt revisions. Patient 2 is dependent on a ventriculoperitoneal shunt to control headaches and has permanent decreased visual acuity and bilateral optic neuropathy. During her clinical course, she required an optic nerve sheath fenestration.


CONCLUSIONS
Otitic hydrocephalus can result in permanent vision loss and chronic headaches requiring spinal fluid diversion. We report two cases with morbid complications. A collaborative effort from ophthalmologists, otolaryngologists, and neurosurgeons is recommended to achieve the best clinical outcome.
Durairaj
Vikram D
VD
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado 80045-0510, USA. vikram.durairaj@uchsc.edu
Andrews
Bradley
B
Rao
Rumya R
RR
Chan
Kenny H
KH
D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D009901:Optic Nerve Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D010035:Otitis Media, Suppurative / Q000150:complications*; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017287:Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000209:etiology