It seems fair to state that of all phlebitic infections, thrombosis of the lateral sinus presents the most constant features. In no other disease is one particular venous channel so regularly and consistently involved. For this reason the bacteremia which is always associated with thrombosis of the lateral sinus becomes the most important clinical finding of the disease. The recognition of the bacteremia is of paramount importance in the diagnosis of the condition and is of value in interpreting especially the course and the prognosis of the illness. In view of this, the significance of interpretation of blood cultures in cases of thrombosis of the lateral sinus deserves special consideration.
Of the great contributions to otology, Libman's1 original work on thrombosis of the lateral sinus occupies an eminent position. Further investigations on the subject have corroborated his observation that bacteremia can be demonstrated often in this disease and that the