Petrositis otherwise referred to as petrous apicitis, is an infection of the petrous apex of the temporal bone. It may extend to the inner ear and it is occasionally linked to otitis media.
Presentation
Patients affected by a petrositis typically present with Gradenigo's syndrome, a triad of symptoms involving an abducens nerve palsy, suppurative otitis media and facial pain that follows the distribution of the trigeminal nerve. Nevertheless, not every patient diagnosed with petrositis tends to exhibit all three symptoms upon diagnosis [1] [2] [3]. In cases where petrositis occurs secondary to an otitis media and mastoiditis, fever, otorrhea that persists for more than three weeks, erythema in the region of the mastoid and ipsilateral pain tend to be the symptoms that patients present with, alongside Gradenigo's syndrome [4]. Additional symptoms that may accompany the aforementioned presentation include:
- Facial paralysis, due to extension of the infection to the facial nerve
- Vertigo
- Involvement of the vestibulocochlear, glossopharyngeal or vagus nerve. Symptoms that are elicited may be those of nasal speech, bovine cough or pseudobulbar palsy; the latter occurs in cases where the petrous apex of the temporal bone is bilaterally affected.
- Hearing impairment due to extension of the infection to the labyrinth [5]
Petrositis, if left undiagnosed or untreated, can affect various structures in the vicinity of the temporal bone. If such complications occur, symptoms may vary and include thrombosis of the sigmoid, dural venous or cavernous sinus, thrombotic events of the jugular vein, an epidural or cerebral abscess, a subdural empyema, frank meningitis and loss of orientation or coma.
Entire Body System
- Pain
Unusual fatal petrositis presenting as myofascial pain and dysfunction of the temporal muscle. [archive-ouverte.unige.ch]
Symptoms obtained from the medical history that raises suspicion towards petrositis includes the following: Otorrhea, abducens nerve palsy, pain along the distribution of the trigeminal nerve (Gradenigo's syndrome) Fever Otalgia Erythema and pain in the [symptoma.com]
After MRI study is over despite of asking leading questions patient refused any kind of ear discharge or ear pain but said yes to mild occasional left facial pain. Imaging diagnosis: 6th CN involvement secondary to Apical petrositis. [neuroradiologycases.com]
You can also have pain in the retro orbital area, the area around the eye. This can be very severe in nature. 4 Otalgia It is one of the medical terms for ear pain. [stepbystep.com]
We report here the unusual case of an 86-year-old man who presented with a handicapping myofascial pain and dysfunction syndrome of the right temporal muscle as a heralding manifestation of an unusual form of petrositis. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
- Inflammation
HISTORY NOTE 2012; for GRADENIGO'S SYNDROME see under OTITIS MEDIA 1963-81, use OTITIS MEDIA 1982-92 IN OTHER LANGUAGES kallioluun tulehdus Finnish petrositis chronica petrositis acuta kallioluun akuutti tulehdus gradenigon syndrooma kronisk inflammation [finto.fi]
Apical petrositis is the inflammation of the temporal bone which covers the ear and adjoining it with the skull. Inflammation here can cause a middle ear infection as well. [stepbystep.com]
From Wikidata Jump to navigation Jump to search osteomyelitis that has material basis in infection located in petrous part of temporal bone acute petrositis chronic petrositis inflammation of petrous bone edit English petrositis osteomyelitis that has [wikidata.org]
Applicable To Inflammation of petrous bone The following code(s) above H70.2 contain annotation back-references Annotation Back-References In this context, annotation back-references refer to codes that contain: Applicable To annotations, or Code Also [icd10data.com]
Definition Petrositis is an inflammation of the temporal bone, the bone covering the ear adjoining the skull. This inflammation reaches deep in the inner ear. It is often linked with otitis media (middle ear infection). [altiusdirectory.com]
- Swelling
There will be a significant erythematous and tender swelling behind the ear that typically pushes the pinna down and forwards. [entsho.com]
Apical petrositis is an uncommon complication of acute otomastoiditis produced by the spread of swelling from the middle ear towards the petrous apex. [posterng.netkey.at]
[…] abscess4.Meatal abscess(luc s abscess)5.Citelli s abscess6.Parapharyngeal or retropharyngeal abscess 18. 1b)Masked(latent)mastoiditis Slow destruction of mastoid air cells but without the acute signs &symptoms(no pain,no fever,no discharge,no mastoid swelling [slideshare.net]
The ophthalmologic examination showed bilateral optic disc swelling ( Fig. 2A ). [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
- Surgical Procedure
The transsphenoid approach to the petrous apex, a surgical procedure described for the first time by Montgomery in 1977. [15] However, the presence of venous sinuses between the petrous apex and sphenoid, such as the cavernous sinus, can make this approach [emedicine.medscape.com]
But recent reports advocate conservative therapy with high-dose broad-spectrum antibiotics and less aggressive surgical procedures [ 4 ], and actually five cases among 48 reviewed English literatures were treated without surgery. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
In chronic middle ear infections modified radical mastoidectomy is the procedure of choice, in acute middle ear infections cortical mastoidectomy is the preferred surgical procedure. [drtbalu.co.in]
- Malaise
Symptoms of acute mastoiditis: 1) Fever and malaise: Fever is persistent, in spite of adequate antibiotics. It can be as high as 40 degree C 2) Pain: It is usually post-aural. [specialist-ent.com]
Clinical features: The earliest stage where the brain tissue is invaded (stage of encephalitis) is marked by the presence of headache, fever, malaise and vomiting. Drowsiness eventually follow. [drtbalu.co.in]
Cardiovascular
- Thrombosis
Presentation may also be due to extension of inflammatory/infective changes beyond the petrous apex. dural venous sinus thrombosis cavernous sinus thrombosis sigmoid sinus thrombosis jugular vein thrombosis intracranial extension frank meningitis : Proteus [radiopaedia.org]
[…] temporalis. ( 14348960 ) Niho S....Takahata N. 1954 28 Mastoiditis, petrositis and lateral sinus thrombosis; report of an unusual case. ( 13007258 ) BRADBURN I. 1953 29 Acute petrositis and mastoiditis in a patient presenting certain unusual diagnostic [malacards.org]
But he had superior sagittal sinus thrombosis instead of thrombosis (Fig. 1J) so that why we considered petrotits. [bmcinfectdis.biomedcentral.com]
Ears
- Otalgia
The full clinical triad consists of otalgia, deep facial pain and diplopia—Gradenigo syndrome. Key Diagnostic Features: On CT, cortical erosion, and trabecular destruction of the petrous apex is seen. [ajnr.org]
Symptoms obtained from the medical history that raises suspicion towards petrositis includes the following: Otorrhea, abducens nerve palsy, pain along the distribution of the trigeminal nerve (Gradenigo's syndrome) Fever Otalgia Erythema and pain in the [symptoma.com]
This can be very severe in nature. 4 Otalgia It is one of the medical terms for ear pain. If you are having ear pain along with some of the other symptoms, it could very well mean that you are suffering from apical petrositis. [stepbystep.com]
Most patients present with severe otalgia and otorrhea with associated deep facial or retroorbital pain. [neuroradiologycases.com]
Glasscock7 pointed out that retrocular pain in patients with otitis media is a warning sign, differently from otalgia, which may also affect otitis media patients without complications or post-radical mastoidectomy. [oldfiles.bjorl.org]
- Ear Discharge
Patient presents with1.Pain behind the ear (persistence,increase in intensity or recurrence of pain)2.fever(persistence or recurrence of fever)3.Ear discharge(becomes profuse and increase in purulence) persistence of discharge beyond 3 wks in a case of [slideshare.net]
After MRI study is over despite of asking leading questions patient refused any kind of ear discharge or ear pain but said yes to mild occasional left facial pain. Imaging diagnosis: 6th CN involvement secondary to Apical petrositis. [neuroradiologycases.com]
The presence of unilateral headache is suggestive of impending intracranial complications 3) Ear discharge: The discharge is purulent, profuse and foul smelling. [specialist-ent.com]
These five patients with clinical presentations indicating Gradenigo’s syndrome presented to our clinic with a history of ear discharge and deafness together with ear pain associated with visual problems. The discharge was purulent and profuse. [ejo.eg.net]
Face, Head & Neck
- Facial Pain
The full clinical triad consists of otalgia, deep facial pain and diplopia—Gradenigo syndrome. Key Diagnostic Features: On CT, cortical erosion, and trabecular destruction of the petrous apex is seen. [ajnr.org]
Most patients present with severe otalgia and otorrhea with associated deep facial or retroorbital pain. [neuroradiologycases.com]
However, it is one of the symptoms with apical petrositis and in case you have other symptoms plus the fever, it is a good time to see your doctor. 3 Headache or Facial Pain There can be severe headaches or facial pain when you are suffering from the [stepbystep.com]
In 1904, Gradenigo described a triad of symptoms related to petrous apicitis, including acute suppurative otitis media, deep facial pain resulting from trigeminal involvement, and abducens nerve palsy. [scienceopen.com]
Patients affected by a petrositis typically present with Gradenigo's syndrome, a triad of symptoms involving an abducens nerve palsy, suppurative otitis media and facial pain that follows the distribution of the trigeminal nerve. [symptoma.com]
Neurologic
- Paresis
The time interval between otitis onset and cranial nerves dysfunction (left facial pain and VI pair paresis) was seven days. [scielo.mec.pt]
VIth (abducens) cranial nerve paresis, leading to a lateral rectus palsy, or an inability to look outwards with one eye (the patient experiences diplopia). [patient.info]
A thorough neurological examination helps assess paresis of the cranial nerves, and recognizing such deficits helps provide an overview of the extent of the skull base affected. [entokey.com]
The neurological examination revealed the presence of paresis of the left sixth cranial nerve and hypoesthesia on the trigeminal nerve distributions of the ophthalmic and maxillary branch. In addition, a bilateral cornea reflex was present. [cancerjournal.net]
- Neuralgia
Two patients developed cranial nerve deficits (III, V, VI), two had hearing loss and trigeminal neuralgia. All cases were caused by Aspergillus spp. (3 proven, 1 probable IA). Two cases were otogenic, two were sinusal in origin. [idsa.confex.com]
Hospitalar do Porto Laura Marques Paediatric Service of Centro Hospitalar do Porto Keywords: Gradenigo, otitis media, petrositis Abstract Introduction: Gradenigo syndrome (also known as apical petrositis) is a clinical triad of otitis media, trigeminal neuralgia [revistas.rcaap.pt]
Gradenigo described a triad of symptoms at petrosites: otitis, an epileptiform neuralgia and paralysis of the taking-away nerve. The most frequent symptom are severe pains which irradiate to the temporal area, a mandible and in eye-socket depth. [en.medicalmed.de]
ABSTRACT Introduction : Gradenigo syndrome (also known as apical petrositis) is a clinical triad of otitis media, trigeminal neuralgia and ipsilateral abducens nerve palsy. [scielo.mec.pt]
ABSTRACT Introduction: Gradenigo syndrome (also known as apical petrositis) is a clinical triad of otitis media, trigeminal neuralgia and ipsilateral abducens nerve palsy. [scielo.pt]
- Trigeminal Neuralgia
Two patients developed cranial nerve deficits (III, V, VI), two had hearing loss and trigeminal neuralgia. All cases were caused by Aspergillus spp. (3 proven, 1 probable IA). Two cases were otogenic, two were sinusal in origin. [idsa.confex.com]
neuralgia and ipsilateral abducens nerve palsy. [revistas.rcaap.pt]
ABSTRACT Introduction : Gradenigo syndrome (also known as apical petrositis) is a clinical triad of otitis media, trigeminal neuralgia and ipsilateral abducens nerve palsy. [scielo.mec.pt]
ABSTRACT Introduction: Gradenigo syndrome (also known as apical petrositis) is a clinical triad of otitis media, trigeminal neuralgia and ipsilateral abducens nerve palsy. [scielo.pt]
- Hyperactivity
Although the extension of the inflammatory process from the petrous apex to the adjacent Meckel cave can lead to trigeminal pain, an irritation of the trigeminal nerve roots resulting in acute or chronic hyperactivity of masticatory muscles has never [archive-ouverte.unige.ch]
During early stages the patient may have mental hyperactivity and restlessness. Tendon reflexes becomes exaggerated during this stage. [drtbalu.co.in]
Workup
Diagnosing petrositis initially requires a detailed clinical examination and medical history. Symptoms obtained from the medical history that raises suspicion towards petrositis includes the following:
- Otorrhea, abducens nerve palsy, pain along the distribution of the trigeminal nerve (Gradenigo's syndrome)
- Fever
- Otalgia
- Erythema and pain in the region of the mastoid
- Facial paralysis
- Vertigo
- Pseudobulbar palsy, bovine cough or nasal speech
With regard to the laboratory examinations that can aid towards the diagnosis of petrositis, a complete blood count and biochemical profile are expected to show leukocytosis, an augmented erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or C-reactive protein (CRP); other pathological findings such as an increased blood glucose or abnormal urea and creatinine levels, can direct the physician towards an underlying condition that predisposes the patient to a petrositis. A sample from the ear suppuration can also be cultured, in order to isolate the pathogen responsible for the infection. The sample can be collected via myringotomy or direct drainage in cases of eardrum perforation.
A computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, alongside a single-photon emission computed tomography scan (SPECT) are also able to depict the petrous apex of the temporal bone and diagnose an infection, with the MRI being the imaging modality of choice regarding the differential diagnosis of an infection and a malignant tumor [6] [7]. Finally, a radioisotope bone scan can also be used in the diagnostic approach [7].
Treatment
This case demonstrated that (1) myofascial pain and dysfunction syndrome that does not respond to conventional treatments may suggest an unusual etiology and warrant further medical investigations and a detailed medical history and that (2) petrositis [archive-ouverte.unige.ch]
The prognosis remains poor especially in immunocompromised patients despite appropriate treatment. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Part III presents differential diagnostic points that help the clinician decide on the cause and treatment of the patient's problem. Part IV is a new section on the symptomatic treatment of vertigo. [books.google.com]
Prognosis
The prognosis remains poor especially in immunocompromised patients despite appropriate treatment. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Record : found Abstract : found Article : not found Cause and prognosis of nontraumatic sixth nerve palsies in young adults. To review the causes and prognosis of sixth nerve palsies in patients who are 20 to 50 years of age. [scienceopen.com]
[…] of Petrositis Initially the prognosis was very dissatisfying with death a common occurrence. [altiusdirectory.com]
Prognosis Formerly, the prognosis was very poor with death a common occurrence. [patient.info]
Treatment and prognosis In many instances treatment with appropriate intravenous antibiotics suffices. In more severe cases surgical drainage may be required 4. [radiopaedia.org]
Etiology
This case demonstrated that (1) myofascial pain and dysfunction syndrome that does not respond to conventional treatments may suggest an unusual etiology and warrant further medical investigations and a detailed medical history and that (2) petrositis [archive-ouverte.unige.ch]
Etiologic aspects involved in the process are discussed and the name non-specific necrotizing petrositis is suggested to individualize this rare form of otitis which, with morbidity, leads to severe complications such as facial paralysis and deafness. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
The most common etiology of this syndrome is an infection. [2] We reported a case that differs from these published reports: An NPC the etiology of Gradenigo's syndrome; the presence of recurrent symptoms of the syndrome persisted in a patient. > Case [cancerjournal.net]
Epidemiology
An awareness of its existence and appropriate levels of suspicion of the condition are necessary to prevent severe damage or death in those affected.[2, 3] Epidemiology There are no reliable recent figures. [patient.info]
Epidemiology Frequency Petrous apicitis was commonly encountered before the introduction of antibiotics. It now appears quite rarely. [emedicine.medscape.com]
Epidemiology of candida bloodstream infections in a tertiary care institute in India. Indian J Med Microbiol. 2009;27(2):171–2. Article CAS PubMed Google Scholar Pristov KE, Ghannoum MA. Resistance of Candida to azoles and echinocandins worldwide. [bmcinfectdis.biomedcentral.com]
Pathophysiology
Pathophysiology of urinary tract obstruction. In: Wein AJ, Kavoussi LR, Partin AW, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 48. Nakada SY, Best SL. Management of urinary tract obstruction. [mclaren.org]
Pathophysiology Because of the extensive pneumatization and presence of rich bone marrow within the petrous apex, it is susceptible to infection or inflammation, typically in combination with mastoiditis. [emedicine.medscape.com]
Prevention
/Avoidable - 0% Emergent - ED Care Needed - Not Preventable/Avoidable - 0% Primary diagnosis of injury 0% Primary diagnosis of mental health problems 0% Primary diagnosis of substance abuse 0% Primary diagnosis of Alcohol 0% Unclassified 100% Health Topic [codelay.com]
[…] in cases of acute otitis media ( where they are felt to be indicated) may help to prevent chronic presentations due to partially treated mastoiditis. [patient.info]
Prevention There is no known prevention for normal knock knees. References Demay MB, Krane SM. Disorders of mineralization. In: Jameson JL, De Groot LJ, de Kretser DM, et al, eds. Endocrinology: Adult and Pediatric. 7th ed. [mclaren.org]
In either of these cases, some surgeons advocate placing a drain, such as silastic draped from the infected site into the mastoid or hypotympanum, to maintain the patency of the drainage pathway and prevent recurrence of the infection. [emedicine.medscape.com]
Prevention Using right antibiotics for recommended time period in cases of severe otitis media, where they are felt to be uses, may assist to ward off chronic manifestations because of partially treated mastoiditis. [altiusdirectory.com]
References
- Mafee MF, Singleton EL, Valvassori GE, et al. Acute otomastoiditis and its complications: role of CT. Radiology. 1985;155 (2): 391-7.
- Head and neck imaging. Peter MS, Hugh DC, St Louis (eds). Mosby-Year Book, 2003.
- Chole RA, Sudhoff HH. Chronic otitis media, mastoiditis, and petrositis. In: Flint PW, Haughey BH, Lund VJ, Niparko JK, Richardson MA, Robbins KT, et al., eds. Cummings otolaryngology head and neck surgery. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Mosby; c2010. pp. 1963–1978.
- Vazquez E, Castellote A, Piqueras J, et al. Imaging of complications of acute mastoiditis in children. Radiographics. 23 (2): 359-72.
- Lutter SA, Kerschner JE, Chusid MJ. Gradenigo syndrome: a rare but serious complication of otitis media. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2005 Jun;21(6):384–386.
- Lee YH, Lee NJ, Kim JH, et al. CT, MRI and gallium SPECT in the diagnosis and treatment of petrous apicitis presenting as multiple cranial neuropathies. Br J Radiol. 2005 Oct;78(934):948-51
- Pedroso JL, de Aquino CC, Abrahao A, et al. Gradenigo's Syndrome: Beyond the Classical Triad of Diplopia, Facial Pain and Otorrhea. Case Rep Neurol. 2011 Feb 15;3(1):45-7. doi: 10.1159/000324179.