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Mastoiditis and meningitis complicating an aural foreign body
Ryan T Burke1, Barbara Gatton, Laura D Melville
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Chestnut Hill Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Pediatric Emergency Care
|October 5, 2012
Summary
Ear wicks, used for otitis externa, can lead to serious complications if retained. A rare case highlights the risk of mastoiditis and meningitis from delayed ear wick removal in children.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Foreign bodies in the ear are common pediatric emergencies.
- Ear wicks are frequently placed for otitis externa treatment.
- Delayed removal of ear foreign bodies poses risks.
Observation:
- A 12-year-old girl presented with persistent ear pain.
- An ear wick was noted to be in place for otalgia treatment.
- The patient was subsequently diagnosed with mastoiditis and meningitis.
Findings:
- This is the first reported case of mastoiditis and meningitis secondary to ear wick placement.
- Intracranial complications from aural foreign bodies, though rare, can occur.
- Delayed removal of ear canal foreign bodies can lead to severe infections.
Implications:
- Emergency physicians must be vigilant regarding retained ear foreign bodies and wicks.
- Prompt removal of ear canal foreign bodies is crucial to prevent complications.
- This case underscores the potential for serious intracranial infections from seemingly benign ear conditions.
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