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The pathophysiology of otitic hydrocephalus

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

A. Tomkinson ,
R. G. S. Mills  and
P. J. Cantrell
A. Tomkinson*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK.
R. G. S. Mills
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK.
P. J. Cantrell
Affiliation:
Department of Radiology, University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK.
*
Address for correspondence: Mr A. Tomkinson, F.R.C.S., Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff.
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Abstract

The pathophysiology of otitic hydrocephalus remains controversial. It has been argued that involvement of the superior sagittal sinus, by, at least, a mural thrombus is a necessary component of this disease.

We present a case of otitic hydrocephalus where on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) normal luminal and mural flow within the superior sagittal sinus is demonstrated. The presence of thrombus in the lateral venous sinus alone appears sufficient in this case to impede venous drainage of the intracranial contents into the neck and produce a rise in the cerebral venous pressure and a subsequent increase in the CSF pressure. The presence of a superior sagittal sinus mural thrombus is not required.

Keywords

Hydrocephalus, otiticCerebrospinal fluidSinus thiombosis
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 111 , Issue 8 , August 1997 , pp. 757 - 759
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1997

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