Otological Manifestations of Nonseptic Lateral Sinus Thrombosis: A Review

Nonseptic lateral sinus thrombosis differs from septic lateral sinus thrombosis in that it is not associated with ear or sinus infection. Etiologies of these conditions are different and management of these conditions are different. Nonseptic lateral sinus thrombosis requires medical line of management and anticoagulant therapy where as septic lateral sinus thrombosis treatment involves surgical exploration of the mastoid cavity, sinus decompression, and long-term antibiotic therapy. Mastoid changes are frequently detected on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging in cases of nonseptic lateral sinus thrombosis. An otolaryngologic evaluation is usually required to exclude coexisting mastoiditis. An otologist should be familiar with the septic lateral sinus thrombosis and existence of nonseptic variant lateral sinus thrombosis for early recognition and initiation of appropriate treatment.