The problem of otitic sepsis is one which frequently taxes the diagnostic acumen of the otologist to the utmost and necessitates the use of extensive therapeutic measures if optimum results are to be obtained. The literature on this subject is at times confusing, particularly with reference to the nature of the pathologic process in the sigmoid sinus. The terms sinus thrombosis and sinus phlebitis are unfortunately at times used interchangeably. The broader term "otitic sepsis" indicates an infection of the blood stream secondary to infection in the middle ear or the mastoid process. At the point of entrance of infection into the blood stream—usually the sigmoid sinus—there is always phlebitis, and thrombus may or may not be present.
The opinion of otologists as to the proper management of otitic sepsis is fairly uniform as far as the mastoid process and the sigmoid sinus are concerned. However, there is still some