Clinical Experience of Acute Mastoiditis in Recent 10 Years

Suh, Han Kyu; Yoo, Kang Mok; Hwang, Kyu Sung; Yoo, Dong Hee; Lim, Hyun Ho; Hwang, Soon Jae

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Acute mastoiditis is an acute inflammatory disease of the mastoid process but it has declined dramatically in the postantibiotic era. However, contrary to the benefits of broad-spectrum antibiotics, resistant and unusual pathogens may cause this disease entity. Recently, in our hospital, antibiotic resistant and atypical pathogens such as Actinomyces, Mycobacterium tuberculosis were on the increase. In this paper we would like to discuss optimal diagnosis and treatment for acute mastoiditis.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Thirteen patients with mastoititis were treated in our hospital in the last 10 years. All of them were reviewedretrospectively.
RESULTS
Eight patients recovered after treating with intravenous antibiotics with or without myringotomy and the rest were managed surgically. Among the 5 who received surgical treatments, one developed chronic otitis media and one developed cholesteatoma 3 years later.
CONCLUSION
Surgical intervention was indicated for cases that accompanied complications. It would be important to be aware of any unusual pathogens in the management of acute mastoiditis which does not respond to empirical antibiotics therapy.