[Epidural abscess as a complication of acute mastoiditis in a 7-year-old child].

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Epidural abscess is the commonest intracranial complication of acute mastoiditis. In some cases this entity may pose a diagnostic problem.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

We report a case of acute mastoiditis followed by an epidural abscess in the middle cranial fossa and a bone fistula to subtemporal fossa. Localization of the abscess was revealed by means of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the head in early stage of the disease.

RESULTS:

The treatment of choice was mastoidectomy with epitymanotomy, myringostomy, revision of zygomatic area to ensure drainage of the epidural abscess and intravenous antibiotics. After two years of observation the child is in a good condition with normal hearing.

CONCLUSIONS:

Osteolysis visualized on CT scan may suggest an intracranial complication occurrence. MRI should be performed to determine the precise localization of the abscess.

• Authors: Jerzy Kuczkowski, Waldemar Narozny, Czesław Stankiewicz, Wojciech Brzozowski, Mirosława Dubaniewicz-Wybieralska, Łukasz Plichta
• Journal: Otolaryngologia polska = The Polish otolaryngology (Otolaryngol Pol) 2010 Sep-Oct Vol. 64 Issue 5 Pg. 320-3 ISSN: 0030-6657 [Print] Poland
• Vernacular Title: Ropień nadtwardówkowy jako powikłanie ostrego zapalenia wyrostka sutkowatego u 7-letniego dziecka.
• PMID: 21166144 (Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Bacterial Agents

Topics

• Acute Disease
• Anti-Bacterial Agents (therapeutic use)
• Child
• Drainage (methods)
• Epidural Abscess (microbiology, therapy)
• Humans
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Male
• Mastoiditis (complications, therapy)
• Otitis Media (complications)
• Staphylococcal Infections (complications, diagnosis)
• Staphylococcus haemolyticus (isolation & purification)
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed