Magnetic resonance imaging in acute mastoiditis

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Pediatric Radiology
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Imaging is crucial for evaluating mastoiditis extent and complications.
• The diagnostic utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in mastoiditis requires systematic evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the diagnostic performance of MRI in pediatric patients with suspected acute mastoiditis.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study included 23 children (mean age 2y 11m) with suspected acute mastoiditis.
• A 1.5T MRI system was used, including enhanced/non-enhanced TSE, DWI, and TOF MRA for venous sinus evaluation.
• Surgical findings and clinical/imaging follow-up served as the reference standard.

Main Results:

• Mastoiditis was present in 20 patients (87%), with 12 (52%) also having subperiosteal abscesses.
• MRI identified all cases of mastoiditis and subperiosteal abscesses.
• Sensitivity for mastoiditis was 100% (accuracy 86%), and for subperiosteal abscesses was 100% (accuracy 100%).

Conclusions:

• Multiparametric MRI demonstrates high accuracy in diagnosing mastoiditis and associated subperiosteal abscesses.
• MRI is a valuable tool for evaluating acute mastoiditis in children.