Apical Petrousitis—Gradenigo’s Syndrome

Gradenigo’s syndrome, also called Gradenigo-Lannois syndrome, is a complication of otitis media and mastoiditis involving the apex of the petrous temporal bone. It was first described by Giuseppe Gradenigo in 1904.

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Symptoms

Components of the syndrome include:

Other symptoms can include photophobia, excessive lacrimation, fever, and reduced corneal sensitivity. The syndrome is classically caused by the spread of an infection into the petrous apex of the temporal bone.

Diagnosis

The constellation of symptoms was first described as a consequence of severe, advanced ear infection which has spread to a central portion of the temporal bone of the skull. This type of presentation was common prior to development of antibiotic treatments, and is now a rare complication.

In persons with longstanding ear infection and typical symptoms, medical imaging such as CT or MRI of the head may show changes that confirm disease involvement of the petrous apex of temporal bone.

Treatment

The medical treatment is done with antibiotics: ceftriaxone plus metronidazole (which covers anaerobic bacteria). In more severe cases, a paracentesis (aspiration of fluids) or mastoidectomy may be needed.

Eponym

It is named after Count Giuseppe Gradenigo, an Italian Otolaryngologist, and Maurice Lannois.