Lateral sinus thrombosis: a sometimes unexpected diagnosis.

Lateral sinus thrombosis, a frequent complication of ear infections in preantibiotic days, is seldom seen today. When it does occur, it is usually in a patient with a known history of a chronic ear infection. Two patients are described with septic pulmonary emboli from inapparent lateral sinus thrombosis. Lateral sinus thrombosis should be suspected in any patient with chills, fever, neck pain, and septic pulmonary emboli.