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

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.