A 5-year-old child presents with acute onset severe otalgia, fever, and a bulging, erythematous tympanic membrane. Despite 48 hours of amoxicillin, symptoms worsen with postauricular swelling, erythema, and protrusion of the auricle. What is the most likely complication?

• A Labyrinthitis
• B Facial nerve palsy
• C Petrositis
• D Acute mastoiditis ✓

Explanation

Acute mastoiditis is the most common suppurative complication of acute otitis media, presenting with postauricular swelling, erythema, tenderness, and anterior/inferior displacement of the auricle. CT shows coalescent mastoiditis with bony destruction. Treatment involves IV antibiotics and myringotomy, with cortical mastoidectomy if no improvement.

Reference: Scott-Brown's Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.