Cerebrospinal fluid leak as cause of recurrent meningitis in a patient with coclear dysplasia

Abstract

Inner ear malformations are a rare cause of cerebrospinal fluid leakages associated to otorhinorrhea. Ranging in its presentation from asymptomatic to recurrent bacterial meningitis. We described a 12-year old boy who presented with CSF rinorrhea and recurrent bacterial meningitis. A high resolution computed tomographic scan of temporal bones was performed, in which an inner ear malformation was diagnosed (an incomplete partition Mondini type I) associated with cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Surgical closure of the leakage was performed successfully. Conclusion: recurrent episodes of meningitis in children, should be investigated for inner ear malformations. Awareness of this condition, a high index of suspicion and imaging studies can prevent the complications and sequels of meningitis and have an excellent outcome.