Atypical Gradenigo's syndrome in a pediatric case: A critical review of neuroimaging

Gradenigo's syndrome, a rare but serious complication of otitis media, encompasses a triad of symptoms including otalgia, facial palsy, and abducens nerve palsy, pointing to the involvement of the petrous apex. This case report presents an 11-year-old boy with an atypical manifestation of Grade...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Radiology Case Reports
Main Authors: Chae-Young Kim, MD, Min Young Lee, MD, PhD, Jae Yun Jung, MD, PhD, Ji Eun Choi, MD, PhD
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2024-07-01
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1930043324002437
Description
Summary:Gradenigo's syndrome, a rare but serious complication of otitis media, encompasses a triad of symptoms including otalgia, facial palsy, and abducens nerve palsy, pointing to the involvement of the petrous apex. This case report presents an 11-year-old boy with an atypical manifestation of Gradenigo's syndrome, characterized by the absence of classic features such as abducens nerve palsy and purulent otorrhea. MRI findings were significant for petrous apicitis extending to Meckel's cave and the cavernous sinus, along with abscess formation and clivus osteomyelitis. The report highlights the critical role of advanced neuroimaging, particularly MRI, in the diagnosis and management of this condition. It underscores the importance of recognizing atypical presentations of Gradenigo's syndrome and the effectiveness of imaging-guided conservative treatment strategies in pediatric otological cases.
ISSN:1930-0433