Recurrent acute otitis media associated meningitis in a patient with a contralateral cochlear implant and bilateral cochleovestibular dysplasia

Objective: To illustrate that a patient with a cochlear implant may be at increased risk of meningitis secondary to developmental anatomic abnormality associated with the underlying sensorineural hearing loss, as opposed to the implant itself. Methods: Case report. Results: Our 12-year-old patient has bilateral cochlear dysplasia, profound sensorineural hearing loss and no prior history of recurrent acute otitis media or meningitis. He underwent a left cochlear implant at 8 years of age and subsequently experienced three episodes of right acute otitis media and meningitis over the next 4 years. Middle ear exploration revealed a cerebrospinal fluid leak. A right radical mastoidectomy with closure of the external auditory canal, removal of the tympanic membrane, malleus, and incus, closure of the Eustachian tube, and obliteration of the mastoid and middle ear with abdominal fat has prevented further episodes. Conclusion: Meningitis in a patient with a cochlear implant is not necessarily related to the implant.