Congenital Ear Anomalies and Idiopathic Fistula of the Oval Window Associated with Recurrent Meningitis

Abstract

Two cases of Mondini maldevelopment with recurrent meningitis are described. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage was observed to be coming from the anterosuperior margin of the oval window in one case and from a bone defect in the center of the footplate in the other. Removing the stapes and obliterating the vestibule with muscle, fascia and Lyodura proved to be satisfactory treatment. High resolution CT scanning of the temporal bone has brought definite diagnostic progress in finding ear anomalies. Congenital ear anomalies and fistula of the oval window should be included in the differential diagnosis of recurrent meningitis.