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[Intracranial complications of acute mastoiditis]

E Babin1, F Brenac, A Bequignon

  • 1Service ORL et de Chirurgie Cervico-Faciale, CHU, Avenue de la côte de nacre, 14033 Caen Cedex. babin-e@chu-caen.fr

Annales D'Oto-Laryngologie Et De Chirurgie Cervico Faciale : Bulletin De La Societe D'Oto-Laryngologie Des Hopitaux De Paris
|February 15, 2002
PubMed

Insights

This case study highlights the diagnostic challenges of intracranial complications following acute mastoiditis in children. Early CT scans with contrast are crucial for identifying extradural abscesses and sigmoid sinus thrombosis.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Acute mastoiditis can lead to serious intracranial complications.
  • Diagnosing these complications clinically is challenging due to non-specific symptoms like fever, otalgia, and otorrhea.

Observation:

  • Neurologic symptoms are key indicators of intracranial involvement.
  • A case of extradural abscess following acute mastoiditis in an 8-year-old boy is presented.

Findings:

  • Contrast-enhanced CT scans of the brain and temporal bones are vital for diagnosing intracranial complications in acute mastoiditis.
  • CT findings suggestive of sigmoid sinus thrombosis include slight contrast enhancement and lack of opacification.
  • Epidural empyema is characterized by hypodense epidural collections on contrast-enhanced CT.

Implications:

  • Prompt diagnosis and management are essential to prevent severe outcomes.
  • Treatment involves intravenous antibiotics, mastoidectomy, and surgical intervention for intracranial complications.
  • Commonly isolated pathogens include Streptococcus Pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

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