title: Diffusion-weighted MRI identifies petrous apex abscess in Gradenigo syndrome.
abstract: A 12-year-old boy developed fever, trigeminal pain, altered mental status, and a sixth cranial nerve palsy, features of Gradenigo syndrome. Diffusion-weighted MRI demonstrated restricted diffusion in the ipsilateral petrous apex, identifying an abscess as the cause of his manifestations. The patient was successfully treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics. This is the first report demonstrating the use of diffusion-weighted imaging in Gradenigo syndrome.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology (Neuroradiology), University of Michigan Medical System, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA. mibrahim@umich.edu
authors.forename: Mohannad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ibrahim
authors.forename: Gaurang
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Shah
authors.forename: Hemant
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Parmar
mesh_terms: D020434:Abducens Nerve Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D000038:Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D010146:Pain / Q000150:complications*; D010579:Petrous Bone / Q000473:pathology*; D014276:Trigeminal Nerve / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents