Abstract:

Objectives: Complications from otitis media are classified as extracranial or intracranial and are usually caused by progressive bony erosion, exposing the facial nerve, labyrinth and dura. In the preantibiotic era, acute and chronic middle ear infections frequently led to both extracranial and intracranial complications. The complications rate of otitis media have dramatically decreased since the advent of antibiotics. The aim of this study was to review our patients with complications of otitis media and compare with literature. Patients and Methods: We performed a retrospective study. Patients who developed temporal bone erosion and complications because otitis media between the years 2013 and 2016 were investigated. Results: There were 26 patients with complications of otitis media, which 5 [19,23%] were intracranial; brain abscess (1), lateral sinus thrombosis (2), otitic hydrocephalis (1) and meningitis (1) were the most common intracranial complications. Extracranial complications were present in 21 [80,76%] of the patients; subperiostal abscess (6), labyrinthine fistula (7), facial paralysis (8) were the most common extracranial complications. Antibiotic therapy and initial surgical treatment procedure were applied in all patients. Radical mastoidectomy was performed in ears with cholesteatoma and in cases of intracranial complications the operation was extended with appropriate interventions if required. Conclussion: Early diagnosis, aggressive antibiotic therapy and combined management of cases by otologists and neurosurgeons are the key to reducing the morbidity and mortality of the serious complications of otitis media.

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