Clinical Characteristics Of Otogenic Lateral Sinus Thrombosis In Patients Under 18 Years Old Compared With That In Adult Patients

BackgroundOtogenic lateral sinus thrombosis (OLST) is a rare complication of otitis media. We do not know whether the disease progress between the pediatric and adult OLST patients is consistent. However, pediatric surgical methods always refer to the adults'.Aims/objectivesThis study aimed to seek evidence for suitable surgical methods in pediatric patients.Materials and methodsThe clinical manifestation, laboratory findings, and findings in operation between children and adult groups were compared.ResultsTen children and 17 adults OLST patients were included. Most pediatric patients had no history of chronic otitis media or cholesteatoma (p<.001). The ratios of otorrhea, tympanic perforation and sclerotic type mastoid in CT scan were significantly lower in the children group (p<.05). The mean air conduction hearing threshold in the children and adolescent group (31.25 +/- 21.27 dB) was significantly lower than that of the adult group (77.6 +/- 23.66 dB) (p<.001). The diseases in attics (66.7%) and the ossicular chain destruction (33.3%) were not as severe as those in the adult group (p<.05). The eustachian tube closure was found similar in two groups.Conclusions and significanceConservative surgery is recommended to pediatric OLST to obliterate the diseases and improve middle ear and mastoid drainage, preserving hearing function.