Mastoiditis and meningitis complicating an aural foreign body

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Ryan T Burke1, Barbara Gatton, Laura D Melville

  • 1Department of Emergency Medicine, Chestnut Hill Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Pediatric Emergency Care
|October 5, 2012
PubMed

Insights

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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