Differential Diagnosis for Bilateral Mastoiditis and Hearing Problem
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Acute otitis media with mastoiditis: This is the most likely diagnosis as bilateral mastoiditis is often a complication of acute otitis media, which can cause hearing problems due to the infection spreading to the mastoid bone.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Chronic otitis media with mastoiditis: Chronic infection of the middle ear can also lead to mastoiditis and hearing loss, especially if left untreated or poorly managed.
- Cholesteatoma: A type of skin cyst in the middle ear that can cause chronic otitis media, mastoiditis, and hearing loss by eroding the surrounding bone and damaging the ear's structures.
- Otosclerosis: A condition where abnormal bone growth in the middle ear causes hearing loss, which can be associated with mastoiditis if the abnormal bone growth affects the mastoid area.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Meningitis: Infection spreading from the mastoid bone to the meninges can cause meningitis, a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
- Brain abscess: A rare but serious complication of mastoiditis where the infection spreads to the brain, forming an abscess that can be fatal if not treated promptly.
- Lateral sinus thrombosis: A complication of mastoiditis where a blood clot forms in the lateral sinus, which can lead to serious consequences, including sepsis and death, if not recognized and treated.
- Rare diagnoses
- Tuberculous mastoiditis: A rare form of mastoiditis caused by tuberculosis, which can present with chronic otitis media and hearing loss.
- Sarcoidosis: A systemic disease that can affect the ears, causing mastoiditis and hearing loss, although this is a rare presentation.
- Histoplasmosis: A fungal infection that can cause mastoiditis, especially in immunocompromised individuals, although this is a rare diagnosis in the context of bilateral mastoiditis and hearing problems.