Recurrent Meningitis and a Congenital Perilymph Fistula

Congenital Perilymph Fistula Causing Recurrent Meningitis: Lessons Learnt from a Single‐Institution Case Series

“…The anatomical abnormalities of the middle and inner ear that have been described in the literature include the oval window fistula, 4,5,7,10,14,16 the round window fistula, 4 the promontory defect, 4 Hyrtl's fissure, 14 the roof of the eustachian tube, 4 and a defect in the medial wall of the epitympanum anterior to semicircular canals. 6 The communication between the subarachnoid space and inner ear occurs through a defect in the lateral aspect of the internal auditory canal, the facial canal, or a widely patent cochlear aqueduct.…”

“…Because of the rarity of its occurrence, the literature is replete with isolated case reports. 1,2,[4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13] A few review articles in which data from case reports have been pooled together show that the evaluative and management protocol of this condition has evolved through the years. 4,[13][14][15][16] Diagnosis of this condition is often delayed because of a low index of suspicion.…”

Perilymphatic Fistula: Historical Perspective

“…26 Surgical repair of traumatic PLF is recommended, with the incidence of meningitis in such cases as high as 25%. 40,41…”