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Complications of ear disease
1Ear, Nose and Throat Department, Cecilia Makiwane Hospital, Mdantsane Ciskei, Republic of South Africa.
Clinical Otolaryngology and Allied Sciences
|October 1, 1988
Summary
Acute mastoiditis, often linked to chronic ear issues and cholesteatoma, can present without typical swelling. Early surgical and antibiotic intervention is crucial to prevent severe complications like meningitis.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Acute mastoiditis is a serious complication of middle ear infections.
- Chronic ear disease, including cholesteatoma, is a significant risk factor.
- Classic signs like postauricular swelling may be absent in some cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinical presentation, complications, and outcomes of acute mastoiditis.
- To highlight diagnostic challenges, especially when classic symptoms are absent.
- To emphasize the importance of early intervention.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 47 patients diagnosed with acute mastoiditis over 2.5 years.
- Analysis of patient history, clinical signs, diagnostic findings, and treatment outcomes.
- Correlation of presenting symptoms with the presence of complications.
Main Results:
- 47 patients with acute mastoiditis were treated.
- 40 patients had a history of chronic ear disease, with 22 having cholesteatoma.
- Postauricular swelling present in only 64%; 45% had extratemporal spread.
- Meningitis was the most common complication (13 patients).
- Diagnosis was often delayed in patients without postauricular swelling, relying on complications.
Conclusions:
- Acute mastoiditis diagnosis should be considered in ear disease with intracranial pathology or septic fever, even without postauricular swelling.
- Early surgical intervention and antibiotics are vital for preventing severe complications and mortality.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential for favorable outcomes in acute mastoiditis.