Cystic cochleovestibular anomaly presenting with congenital deafness and recurrent bacterial meningitis in childhood

Abstract

Recurrent bacterial meningitis (RBM) in many instances is associated with identifiable anatomical defects. Presence of congenital deafness with recurrent meningitis should alert clinician for presence of middle and inner ear malformation. These defects can be demonstrated by various neuro imaging techniques and can be surgically corrected. In this case report we describe a child seen at our institute with congenital deafness and recurrent meningitis, discuss the approach to RBM and briefly describe inner ear malformation associated with the same and how to differentiate them.

Keywords

• Congenital deafness
• cystic cochleovestibular anomaly
• lumbar puncture
• recurrent bacterial meningitis