Acute mastoiditis complicated with bezold abscess, sigmoid sinus thrombosis and occipital osteomyelitis in a child

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Intrathecal Application of a Fluorescent Dye for the Identification of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks in Cochlear Malformation
06:59

Intrathecal Application of a Fluorescent Dye for the Identification of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks in Cochlear Malformation

Published on: February 29, 2020

I M Vlastos1, G Helmis, I Athanasopoulos

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital of Athens, Greece. giannisvlastos@yahoo.gr

European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences
|August 17, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Antibiotics have reduced rare acute otitis media complications. This case highlights diagnosing and treating Bezold abscess, sigmoid sinus thrombosis, and occipital osteomyelitis after mastoiditis with antibiotics and surgery.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Neurosurgery

Background:

  • Acute otitis media (AOM) complications, though rare post-antibiotics, present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
  • Mastoiditis can lead to severe intracranial and deep neck infections.

Observation:

  • A pediatric case presented with persistent fever and otorrhea, indicative of advanced complications.
  • The patient exhibited Bezold abscess, sigmoid sinus thrombosis, and occipital osteomyelitis secondary to mastoiditis.

Findings:

  • Prompt diagnosis and a combination of intravenous antibiotics and wall-intact mastoidectomy led to successful patient recovery.
  • Surgical intervention alongside antibiotic therapy is crucial for managing complex mastoiditis sequelae.

Implications:

  • Early recognition of subtle signs is vital for timely intervention in pediatric mastoiditis complications.
  • This case underscores the importance of considering surgical options alongside antibiotics for severe infections.

More Related Videos

Endaural Endoscopic Atticoantrotomy (Retrograde Mastoidectomy) using a Constant Suction Bone-drilling Technique07:06

Endaural Endoscopic Atticoantrotomy (Retrograde Mastoidectomy) using a Constant Suction Bone-drilling Technique

Published on: May 23, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Tonsillitis II: Management01:26

Tonsillitis II: Management

This lesson will focus on the different treatment options for managing tonsillitis, which typically depend on the cause and severity.
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...