Recurrent meningitis and a congenital perilymph fistula.

In any child with recurrent meningitis, the presence of a congenital perilymph fistula must be entertained. All of the patients must have an audiologic assessment, and if a sensorineural loss is demonstrated, CT of the temporal bones should be performed. CT is excellent in identifying malformations within the temporal bones, fistulous tracts, soft tissue densities in the middle ear, and defects in the tegmen tympani. Although MRI may provide superior discrimination of the audiovestibular and facial nerves and cerebellopontine angle, presently it does not offer any distinct advantages over CT in evaluation of the inner ear. When a fistula is suspected, an exploratory tympanotomy is recommended, and any CSF leak is sealed with muscle.