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Decisions regarding intracranial complications from acute mastoiditis in children

Alexander J Osborn1, Susan Blaser, Blake C Papsin

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. alex.osborn@sickkids.ca

Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery
|September 20, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Intracranial complications of acute mastoiditis require prompt antibiotic therapy and surgical intervention. While treatment algorithms exist, the rarity of these conditions challenges evidence-based adjunct therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Acute mastoiditis can lead to serious intracranial complications.
  • Understanding these complications is crucial for timely management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review clinical findings and treatment algorithms for intracranial complications of acute mastoiditis.
  • To discuss sequelae and current treatment paradigms.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on clinical findings.
  • Analysis of treatment algorithms for sigmoid sinus thrombosis, otitic hydrocephalus, intracranial abscess, and otitic meningitis.

Main Results:

  • Evidence for increased complication rates due to changing otitis media microbiology is currently lacking.
  • Standard treatment involves antibiotics and myringotomy with ventilation tube placement, potentially with mastoidectomy.

Conclusions:

  • Antibiotics and surgical intervention are primary treatments for intracranial complications of acute mastoiditis.
  • Adjunct therapies like anticoagulation are used but lack robust evidence due to rarity.

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