Nonotogenic Skull Base Osteomyelitis in Children: Two Cases and a Review of the Literature. Issue 9 (September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Trück, Johannes; Thompson, Ameeka; Dwivedi, Reena; Segal, Shelley; Anand, Geetha; Kelly, Dominic F.
• Is Part Of: Pediatric infectious disease journal. Volume 34:Issue 9(2015)
• Publication Date: 2015-09
• Subjects: child -- clivus -- fever -- infection -- headache -- neck pain -- osteomyelitis -- skull base; Communicable diseases in children -- Periodicals; Infection in children -- Periodicals; 618.929
• DOI: 10.1097/INF.0000000000000782
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0891-3668

Abstract

Abstract : Skull base osteomyelitis is a rare condition in childhood and can be described according to whether it is associated with spread of infection from the middle ear (otogenic) or not (nonotogenic). Early recognition of this serious disease and prompt treatment are key to preventing extension to adjacent vascular and nervous system structures. Diagnosis can be challenging due to the variable presentation of the disease and potentially subtle radiological appearances. We present 2 cases of nonotogenic skull base osteomyelitis in childhood both affecting the clivus and review the 6 cases previously described. Both children presented with fever, headache and neck stiffness and responded well to medical management alone; detailed imaging was key to making a diagnosis. Abstract : Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.