Gradenigo's syndrome

Gradenigo’s syndrome is a complication of otitis media and mastoiditis involving the apex of the petrous temporal bone.

Gradenigo’s syndrome is sometimes called petrous apicitis. It is a syndrome consisting of:

Deep Seated Orbital (or) Retro-orbital pain in the area supplied by the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve (fifth cranial nerve),
Diplopia – ipsilateral paralysis of the abducens nerve (sixth cranial nerve), and
Persistent Ear Discharge – otitis media

Other symptoms can include photophobia, excessive lacrimation, fever, and reduced corneal sensitivity.
The syndrome is usually caused by the spread of an infection into the petrous apex of the temporal bone.

Diagnosis confirmed by X-Ray (Towne’s View & Stenver’s View) and by CT Scan of Temporal bone

Treatment – Cortical (or) Modified Radical (or) Radical Mastoidectomy.

Etymology

The syndrome is named after Giuseppe Conte Gradenigo, an Italian Otolaryngologist.