Annals of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (ISSN 2835-7132) | Volume 5, Issue 4 | Case Report | Open Access
Masyita Gaffar*
Masyita Gaffar1,2,3*, Sri Wartati1, Abdul Kadir1, Hardianti Agri1, Andhika Y Putra1, Ardian P Saputra1
1Departement of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Makassar Indonesia
2Hospital of Wahidin Sudirohusodo, Makassar, Indonesia
3Jaury Yusuf Akademis Hospital, Makassar
*Correspondence to: Masyita Gaffar
Fulltext PDFBackground: Otitis media is one of the most common childhood infections, with chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) and cholesteatoma posing risks for severe intracranial complications. Although rare, these complications can be life-threatening and require urgent multidisciplinary management.
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 11 pediatric patients treated for intracranial complications of CSOM between March 2021 and March 2024 at three tertiary teaching hospitals affiliated with Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia. Clinical features, imaging findings, microbiology, surgical interventions, and outcomes were analyzed.
Results: Of the 11 patients (10 boys, 1 girl; mean age 11 years), all had CSOM with cholesteatoma. The most common symptoms were fetid otorrhea (100%) and severe cephalgia (90.9%). Intracranial complications included brain abscesses (72.7%), sigmoid sinus thrombosis (18%), hydrocephalus (18%), extradural abscess (9%), and subdural empyema (9%). All patients underwent canal wall down mastoidectomy; eight required simultaneous craniotomy. Positive cultures were obtained in four cases, identifying Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus constellatus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. At six months, 72.7% achieved a dry ear. Neurological recovery was partial: hemiparesis improved in most cases, while aphasia persisted in two patients. No mortality was recorded.
Conclusion: Intracranial complications of CSOM in children, though uncommon, remain clinically significant and potentially devastating. Brain abscess is the most frequent complication, often presenting with severe neurological deficits. Early recognition, aggressive surgical management, and prolonged antibiotic therapy are essential for favorable outcomes.
Intracranial complication; CSOM; Children
Masyita Gaffar, Sri Wartati, Abdul Kadir, Hardianti Agri, Andhika Y Putra, Ardian P Saputra. Clinical Spectrum of Intracranial Complication in Children with Chronic Otitis Media Review of 11 Cases. Annal of Otol Head and Neck Surg. 2026;5(4):1-6.