Mastoiditis

Definition 
Inflammation of the mucosal lining of the  mastoid antrum and mastoid air cell system inside the  mastoid process of the skull

Aetiology &  Incidence
An infection tht extends into the mastoid antrum from otitis media (middle ear infection)
After the advent of antibiotics the incidence has drastically reduced.
Untreated the infection can spread to surrounding structures, including the brain

Clinical Manifestations
Pain, tenderness and swelling in the mastoid region
Ear pain
Erythema of the mastoid region
Fever
Head ache
In infants non specific symptoms : anorexia, diarrhoea, irritability, brown discharge on the pillow case

Diagnosis
MRI
CT scan
X-rays

Bacteria involved
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Streptoccous pyogenes
Staphylococcus aureus
Haemophilus influenzae
Moraxella catarrhalis
Bacteroides
Fusobacterium
Peptostreptococcus 
Mycobacteria

Complications
Choesteatoma
Brain abscess

Prvention and Treatment
Ear infections treated promptly

IV antibiotics
Initially broad spectrum : Ceftriaxone
Long term antibiotic may be needed

Surgical Interventions
Myringotomy
Tympanostomy
Mastoidectomy













page view counter
search engine by freefind advanced
site search engine by freefind