Mastoiditis

Background

Etiology

Mastoiditis with subperiostal abscess

Clinical Features

  • Abnormal TM findings
  • Abnormal mastoid findings
    • Erythema, edema, tenderness
  • Abnormal pinna findings
    • Protrusion of auricle, obliteration of postauricular crease
  • Cranial nerve VI and VII palsies

Differential Diagnosis

Ear Diagnoses

External

Internal

Inner/vestibular

Evaluation

  • Middle ear fluid cultures
  • CT mastoid with IV contrast
    • Delineates extent of bony involvement
    • Helps to diagnosis abscess formation

Management

Coverage against S. pneumoniae, S. pyogenes, S. aureus, H. influenzae

Disposition

  • ENT consultation - cases refractory to parenteral antibiotics may require surgical irrigation and debridement with possible mastoidectomy.
  • Admit

See Also

References