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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
09:23
A Low Cost Setup for Behavioral Audiometry in Rodents
Published on: October 16, 2012
Summary
Active chronic otitis media, including mucosal disease and after surgery, can lead to serious complications like brain abscesses. While the overall risk remains low, these conditions should no longer be considered entirely "safe".
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurosurgery
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- Active chronic otitis media (ACOM) affects 0.5% of adults.
- ACOM has two main variants: cholesteatoma and mucosal disease.
- Cholesteatoma is traditionally considered 'unsafe' due to complication risks, while mucosal disease is deemed 'safe'.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-evaluate the safety classification of ACOM variants and surgical interventions.
- To determine the incidence of brain abscesses secondary to different ACOM types and treatments.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 26 consecutive cases of brain abscesses.
- Analysis of the underlying cause of brain abscesses in relation to ACOM type and surgical history.
Main Results:
- Cholesteatoma was present in 46% of brain abscess cases.
- Mucosal disease was found in 38% of cases.
- A modified radical mastoidectomy had been performed in 15% of cases.
Conclusions:
- Mucosal disease and modified radical mastoidectomy should not be considered 'safe' in ACOM.
- The risk of intracranial abscess from any ACOM type is low (approx. 1 in 3,500).
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