Managements of complicated otitic abscess

The advent of antibiotics has significantly reduced the incidence and associated morbidity of otogenic complications. Its presentation, however, has dramatically changed and appears as a masked condition despite the presence of a potentially fatal complication. Between 1998 and 2001, 3 cases of otitic abscesses, including mastoid subperiosteal abscess, zygomatic abscess, and retropharyngeal abscess, were collected retrospectively. Their clinical presentation, results of investigations, and response to treatment were reviewed. After admission, intravenous antibiotics were prescribed and early surgeries were performed for eradication of infection source. The patients exhibited excellent postoperative recovery, without facial palsy, vertigo or other complications. To be a contemporary otologist, we should not overlook such severe complications of otologic diseases. Appropriate intravenous antibiotics and adequate surgeries, as soon as possible, are recommended. Advanced magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomographic scans of the temporal bone with wider windows are necessary.