Vascularized temporalis muscle flap for the treatment of otorrhea. Technical note

Vascularized temporoparietal fascial flap for the treatment of a traumatic cerebrospinal fluid fistula in the middle cranial fossa

The temporoparietal fascial flap (TPFF) is a vascularized pedicle flap commonly used in head and neck reconstructions. The authors describe the use of a TPFF in repairing a large traumatic middle cranial fossa CSF fistula via a middle cranial fossa approach. During the 18-month follow-up, the patient had no further CSF leakage or meningitis. The use of a TPFF for the repair of a traumatic CSF fistula has not been described in the literature. The authors recommend the use of a TPFF in treating recurrent or large middle cranial fossa CSF fistulas. The flap provides a well-vascularized thin layer that can be ideal in middle cranial fossa repair, and its proximity to the operation site is perfect as well.

Epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, and diagnosis of recurrent bacterial meningitis

Recurrent bacterial meningitis is a rare phenomenon and generally poses a considerable diagnostic challenge to the clinician. Ultimately, a structured approach and early diagnosis of any underlying pathology are crucial to prevent further episodes and improve the overall outcome for the affected individual. In this article, we are reviewing the existing literature on this topic over the last two decades, encompassing 363 cases of recurrent bacterial meningitis described in 144 publications. Of these cases, 214 (59%) were related to anatomical problems, 132 (36%) were related to immunodeficiencies, and 17 (5%) were related to parameningeal infections. The review includes a detailed discussion of the underlying pathologies and microbiological aspects as well as recommendations for appropriate diagnostic pathways for investigating this unusual entity.

[Chronic otitis media as an introduction to intracranial otogenic complications]

INTRODUCTION

Otogenic intracranial complications are rare. Misdiagnosed and untreated can be dangerous for health and life. They should be always kept in mind.

AIM

We discuss patients in whom defects of skull base were observed during operation. These defects can lead to serious intracranial complications.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We analyse patients with chronic otitis media operated in our department between 2004-2006. 250 operations on ears were performed in that period of time. We discuss patients with intracranial otogenic complications and patients in whom defects of skull base were noticed by chance during operations.

RESULTS

Defects of skull base were observed in 24 cases. Intracranial complications were in 3 patients. 1 patiens died because of abscess of cerebellum, others were treated with good distant effect. Used methods of reconstruction were effective, we observed no discharge of cerebro-spinal fluid and no other intracranial complications.

CONCLUSIONS

It exists group of patients with chronic otitis media that have asymptomastic defects of cranial fossa. These defects can be responsible for intracranial complications. MRI and TC are very important in preoperative diagnostics.

Cerebrospinal fluid otorhinorrhea due to cochlear dysplasias

Cochlear dysplasia associated with defect in stapes footplate can be a cause of cerebrospinal fluid leak. Repair of cerebrospinal fluid leak in these cases is usually done by packing the vestibule with muscle or fascia. This traditional method of repair has 30-60% failure rate. Cerebrospinal fluid leak in four such patients was successfully repaired using multiple layer packing of vestibule, reinforced by pedicle temporalis muscle graft. Intraoperatively continuous lumbar drain was done. Magnetic resonance imaging of inner ear using 3D FSE T2WI and 3D FIESTA sequences was found helpful noninvasive investigation to localize site and route of cerebrospinal fluid leak.