title: Indications and radiological findings of acute otitis media and its complications.
abstract: Most cases of acute otitis media resolve with antibiotics and imaging is not required. When treatment fails or a complication is suspected, imaging plays a crucial role. Since the introduction of antibiotic treatment, the complication rate has decreased dramatically. Nevertheless, given the critical clinical relevance of complications, the importance of early diagnosis is vital. Our objective was to review the clinical and radiological features of acute otitis media and its complications. They were classified based on their location, as intratemporal or intracranial. Imaging makes it possible to diagnose the complications of acute otitis media and to institute appropriate treatment. Computed tomography is the initial technique of choice and, in most cases, the ultimate. Magnetic resonance is useful for evaluating the inner ear and when accurate evaluation of disease extent or better characterization of intracranial complications is required.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital General de Onteniente, Valencia, España. Electronic address: elenapont@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Pont
authors.affiliation: Sección de Neurorradiología y Radiología de cabeza-cuello, Área Clínica de Imagen Médica, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, España.
authors.forename: Miguel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mazón
mesh_terms: D000038:Abscess / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D000208:Acute Disease; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001862:Bone Resorption / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D002648:Child; D004660:Encephalitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007762:Labyrinthitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008417:Mastoiditis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D008581:Meningitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000188:drug therapy; D059270:Petrositis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012851:Sinus Thrombosis, Intracranial / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents
keywords: Acute otitis media; Complicaciones; Complications; Intracraneales; Intracranial; Intratemporal; Intratemporales; Otitis media aguda; Radiology; Radiología