Hydrocephalus caused by Dural Sinus Thrombosis in an Adult

Case Report

Abstract

A case of thrombosis of the dural sinus resulting in hydrocephalus is reported. This 60-year-old female had suffered from chronic right otitis media for 40 years. Recently she suddenly developed headache, vertigo and vomiting. The otitis media was treated surgically and with antibiotics. Thrombosis of the right sigmoid sinus was found at the time of operation. Headache persisted after the operation. Postoperative computed tomography (CT) scan showed ventricular dilatation and periventricular lucency. Cerebral angiography revealed stenosis of the superior sagittal sinus, the straight sinus, the right lateral sinus, and the right sigmoid sinus. After a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt operation, her symptoms and hydrocephalus were alleviated. It was suggested that hydrocephalus in this case was induced by sinus hypertension associated with dural sinus thrombosis secondary to recurrent otitis media. This phenomenon is known to occur usually in infants, but rarely in adults. Possible mechanisms accounting for the development of hydrocephalus secondary to sinus hypertension are discussed.