Not usually the focus of most of our head CT’s, but worth remembering what to look for, particularly for
those with ear symptoms, and certainly if they have mastoid tenderness
QUICK HITS on MASTOIDITIS
rare complication of otitis media
more common in kids than adults
mastoid lies superior to the middle ear cavity
can have redness, swelling, tenderness over the mastoid process
pus entering mastoid cells under pressure -> dissolution of surrounding bone (not awesome)
infection can spread to nearby structures (e.g. neck, CNS)
treatment: IV abx
QUICK VISUALS
(opacification of mastoid air cells–tip: use bone windows)
File it away in the mental Rolodex.
References: uptodate.com; mastoid process; picture 1; picture 2
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