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Fluid signal in the mastoid is a common incidental finding on MRI of the brain

J Gossner1

  • 1Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Göttingen-Weende, An der Lutter 24, 37074, Göttingen, Germany. johannesgossner@gmx.de.

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology : Official Journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : Affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
|November 14, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Fluid signal in the mastoid is a common incidental finding on brain MRI scans. This mastoid fluid rarely indicates inflammatory disease, suggesting clinical correlation is vital for diagnosing mastoiditis.

Area of Science:

  • Radiology
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Incidental findings are frequent during brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
  • Mastoid fluid signal on brain MRI is a common incidental finding, often unrelated to inflammatory conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of mastoid fluid signal on brain MRI.
  • To assess the clinical significance and potential causes of incidental mastoid fluid.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of brain MRI scans.
  • Review of patient records for clinical symptoms and examination findings.

Main Results:

  • Fluid signal in the mastoid was identified in 25% of patients (21/84).
  • Only two cases showed a clear cause for mastoid fluid: osteolysis and cholesteatoma.
  • No patients reported otological inflammatory symptoms, and clinical exams were unremarkable.

Conclusions:

  • Mastoid fluid signal is a frequent incidental finding in asymptomatic individuals.
  • Mastoiditis diagnosis requires distinct clinical evidence, not solely based on MRI findings.
Keywords:
Fluid signalMagnetic resonance imagingMastoidMastoiditis

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