Gradenigo's syndrome in a woman with systemic lupus erythematosus

Refractory Pseudomonas Osteomyelitis of the Skull Base With Gradenigo's Syndrome: Early Dysphagia and Late Abducens Nerve Palsy

Gradenigo's syndrome (GS) is a rare entity characterized by otitis media, pain in the trigeminal nerve distribution and abducens nerve palsy. The classic triad is uncommon, making the diagnostic workup challenging. Specifically, the diagnostic approach includes medical history, a complete otorhinolaryngological examination, a pure-tone audiogram and radiological investigation such as contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging of head and neck. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are the first-line treatment, such as intravenous (IV) ceftriaxone and IV metronidazole. Here, we present the case of a 71-year-old man with a previous history of otitis media and poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus. He presented to our attention with facial pain, left hemilarynx paralysis, dysphagia and otorrhea. The patient was treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics without any clinical improvement. Imaging evaluations demonstrated the presence of wide and poorly defined pathological material with epicenter in the masticatory space, involving all nearby structures. The patient underwent multiple biopsies without obtaining a definitive tissue diagnosis of neoplasia. After 2 months, the patient developed delayed VI cranial nerve palsy, providing evidence of GS. Although incomplete, GS has been described in the literature; however, none of the cases exhibited a latent abducent deficit. To the best of our knowledge, this is the only case with a delayed onset of abducens nerve palsy.

Steroid-Responsive Gradenigo's Syndrome Mimicking Subdural Hematoma

Gradenigo's syndrome (GS) is featured by a clinical triad of otorrhea, retro-orbital pain, and a sixth nerve palsy. Clinical examination is crucial prior to considering neuroimaging. The majority of cases are secondary to infection thus requiring long-term broad-spectrum antibiotics; severe cases also require surgical intervention for risk of intracranial abscess or even death. The patient was a 35-year-old female who presented with right temporal headache and right retro-orbital pain. The initial diagnosis from the local clinic was of subdural hemorrhage. Cranial nerve (CN) VI paresis was noted upon examination and inflammatory process was documented based on brain MR. The patient was diagnosed with Gradenigo's syndrome and administered antibiotics and steroids. Symptoms recurred after cessation of steroids and once antibiotics-related fever developed. The symptoms resolved after stopping the antibiotics and reintroducing steroids. The MRI performed after three months recorded no brain inflammation. We report a Gradenigo's syndrome caused by chronic inflammation with good response to steroids. To our best knowledge, there were merely approximately 80 patients who were reported with Gradnigo or Gradenigo's syndrome before. Infection comprised 76% of cases, thus broad-spectrum and long-term antibiotics use have been emphasized instead of steroid use. However, steroids also play an important role in reducing nerve injury by edematous change.