Sinus Thrombosis and Otogene Sepsis

Abstract

The course of the thrombophlebitis in sinus sigmoideus and the most frequent complications is briefly mentioned, followed by a survey of the treatment from the first successful operation, performed by Lane in 1888, until the combined operative and chemotherapeutical treatment of our time.

A report is then given of the results of an investigation into the frequency of thrombosis in sinus sigmoideus in the whole Danish population in the years 1956–60 inclusive. In this period there have been altogether only 12 cases, and of these patients three died, corresponding to approximately 0.01 % of the total number of deaths in these years. (In German examinations covering the period 1900–1925 sinus thrombosis was primary cause of death in 0.3 per cent of the total post mortems, i.e. no less than 300 times more.) The number of cases during the present five-year period corresponds approximately to the number of cases in Denmark in one year only 10 years ago—quite an amazing decrease. Concerning treatment, operation was performed in all cases, and in addition chemotherapeutic treatment was given in very large doses.