Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 1, 2026

Intrathecal Application of a Fluorescent Dye for the Identification of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks in Cochlear Malformation
06:59

Intrathecal Application of a Fluorescent Dye for the Identification of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks in Cochlear Malformation

Published on: February 29, 2020

8.1K

Pediatric acute mastoiditis: A comparison of patients with and without intracranial complications

Richmond Laryea1, Wynne Zhang1, Mica Glaun1

  • 1Division of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA; Bobby R. Alford Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Houston, TX, USA.

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|April 11, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Pediatric mastoiditis patients without prior ear infections had higher intracranial complication rates. Prior antibiotic use also increased the risk of these serious complications in children.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Neurosurgery

Background:

  • Mastoiditis is a serious infection of the mastoid bone.
  • Intracranial complications (ICC) of mastoiditis can lead to severe morbidity and mortality.
  • Understanding risk factors for ICC in pediatric mastoiditis is crucial for timely intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the incidence of intracranial complications in pediatric patients with acute mastoiditis.
  • To identify risk factors associated with the development of ICC in this population.
  • To analyze the role of prior otologic infections and antibiotic use in ICC development.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective case series of pediatric patients diagnosed with mastoiditis between 2012 and 2020.
  • Inclusion of patients with documented microbiology cultures.
  • Comparison of factors including isolated bacteria, antibiotic resistance, and occurrence of ICC.

Main Results:

  • 298 pediatric patients with mastoiditis were analyzed; 41 (13.8%) had ICC.
  • Epidural abscess was the most common ICC (51%).
  • Patients with no history of otologic infections (acute or chronic otitis media) had a higher likelihood of ICC (OR=0.49 for AOM, OR=0.20 for COM). Patients with prior antibiotic use were more likely to develop ICC (OR=2.64).

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric patients with mastoiditis and no history of otologic infections face a higher risk of intracranial complications.
  • Previous antibiotic exposure is associated with an increased incidence of ICC in pediatric mastoiditis cases.
  • These findings highlight the importance of considering patient history in managing mastoiditis to prevent severe outcomes.
Keywords:
Intracranial complicationsMastoiditisPediatric

More Related Videos

Role of Diffusion MRI Tractography in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery09:53

Role of Diffusion MRI Tractography in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery

Published on: July 5, 2021

3.5K
Endaural Endoscopic Atticoantrotomy Retrograde Mastoidectomy using a Constant Suction Bone-drilling Technique07:06

Endaural Endoscopic Atticoantrotomy Retrograde Mastoidectomy using a Constant Suction Bone-drilling Technique

Published on: May 23, 2021

3.7K

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction01:14

Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction

Intracranial hypertension is a sustained elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) above 22 mm Hg. In supine adults, normal ICP is ~7–15 mm Hg.The rigid, nonexpandable cranium contains three components—brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—that total ~1,700 mL in a typical adult: 1,400 mL brain (~80%), 150 mL blood (~10%), and 150 mL CSF (~10%). According to the Monro–Kellie doctrine, total intracranial volume is effectively fixed. When one component expands, CSF and venous blood...
Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins with...