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Rarely, Mycobacterium species can also cause the infection. Some mastoiditis is caused by cholesteatoma, which is a sac of keratinizing squamous epithelium in the middle ear that usually results from repeated middle-ear infections. If left untreated, the cholesteatoma can erode into the mastoid process, producing mastoiditis, as well as other ...
Cholesteatoma is a destructive and expanding growth consisting of keratinizing squamous epithelium in the middle ear and/or mastoid process. [1] [2] Cholesteatomas are not cancerous as the name may suggest, but can cause significant problems because of their erosive and expansile properties.
A mastoidectomy is a procedure performed to remove the mastoid air cells [1] near the middle ear. The procedure is part of the treatment for mastoiditis, chronic suppurative otitis media or cholesteatoma. [2] Additionally, it is sometimes performed as part of other procedures, such as cochlear implants, [3] or to access the middle ear.
Infections in the middle ear easily spread into the mastoid air cells through the aditus ad antrum, resulting in mastoiditis, a potentially dangerous and life-threatening condition. Infection may then further spread into the middle cranial fossa or posterior cranial fossa, causing meningitis or abscess of adjacent brain tissue.
The constellation of symptoms was first described as a consequence of severe, advanced ear infection which has spread to a central portion of the temporal bone of the skull. This type of presentation was common prior to development of antibiotic treatments, and is now a rare complication. [citation needed]
The mastoid process is located posterior and inferior to the ear canal, lateral to the styloid process, and appears as a conical or pyramidal projection. It forms a bony prominence behind and below the ear. [1] It has variable size and form (e.g. it is larger in the male than in the female). It is also filled with sinuses, or mastoid cells.
Experts also recommend giving your ears a break from both headphones or earbuds — which also pose an infection risk — as prolonged use allows moisture and pathogens to fester.
Mastoiditis: infection of the air cells in the mastoid process, the area of the skull located right behind the ear [19] Petrositis: infection of the petrous portion of the temporal bone; Labyrinthitis; Meningitis; Subdural abscess; Brain abscess; Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis