Ophthalmic Complications of Paediatric Otitis Media

1. Peter Kim
2. Travis J. Pollock
3. Michael A. Sargeant
4. Maryam Aroichane
5. Christopher J. Lyons
6. Jane A. Gardiner

British Columbia Children's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada

Purpose: To evaluate the visual outcome of pediatric patients with intracranial complications related to otitis media.

Methods: Data was retrieved from the clinical records of patients with ophthalmic complications due to otitis media presenting to the British Columbia Children's Hospital from August 2006 to March 2008.

Results: Of the 7 patients identified (age range 1 to 11 years), all had abducens nerve palsy on presentation. Other significant complications included papilledema, Horner syndrome, mastoiditis, and cerebral venous thrombosis including cavernous sinus thrombosis.
Treatment included myringotomy and tube placement in six patients and three patients had mastoidectomy. All patients received intravenous antibiotics and were initially anticoagulated. All patients had satisfactory final visual outcomes and stereopsis ranging from 40 to 100 seconds.

Conclusion: Early recognition and treatment of children who present with ophthalmic and intracranial complications of otitis media may result in good visual outcomes.