Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026
Endaural Endoscopic Atticoantrotomy (Retrograde Mastoidectomy) using a Constant Suction Bone-drilling Technique
Published on: May 23, 2021
[Acute mastoiditis in children. A retrospective study and literature review]
A Rodríguez Paramás1, M Mancheño Losa, F García de Pedro
1Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid.
Insights
Acute mastoiditis, an infection of the mastoid bone, is increasingly common, often stemming from untreated ear infections. While requiring surgery in nearly half of pediatric cases, serious complications remain infrequent.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Context:
- Acute mastoiditis incidence is rising in pediatric populations.
- The condition often arises from inadequately treated or neglected otitis media.
- Understanding epidemiological and clinical features is crucial for effective management.
Purpose:
- To review diagnostic and treatment experiences with acute mastoiditis.
- To analyze epidemiological, laboratory, and clinical data from pediatric cases.
- To assess complication rates and potential predictive markers.
Summary:
- A study of 49 pediatric patients (mean age 2.5 years) with acute mastoiditis between 1994-2003.
- Most cases occurred in autumn/winter; Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most common pathogen identified.
- Nearly 50% required surgery, with a low complication rate (10.2%).
Impact:
- Highlights acute mastoiditis as a significant pediatric concern.
- Informs clinical practice regarding diagnosis and treatment strategies.
- Suggests that while common, severe complications are not the norm, limiting statistical analysis of predictors.
Objective:
To review our experience and results in the diagnosis and treatment of acute mastoiditis, a pathology with an increasing incidence in the recent years.
Methods:
The study reviewed 49 pediatric patients diagnosed and treated of acute mastoiditis between 1994 and 2003 in our hospital. We summarize epidemiologic, laboratory and clinical features.
Results:
The mean age was 2.5 years. Seventy-five percent of cases were in autumn and winter months and nearly twenty-five percent had been diagnosed in the last year. S. pneumoniae was the most commonly isolated pathogen (28.6%), although a sterile result was the most frequent (38.1%). Twenty-four patients (48.9%) required surgical treatment. Only five patients (10.2%) developed complications.
Conclusions:
Acute mastoiditis is a pathology with an important incidence and is generally the consequence of an untreated otitis or an insufficient treatment. Due to the low number of complications, we can not estimate through statistical analysis valid markers like predictors for complication.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Brain Abscess l: Introduction
01:22Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction