Differential Diagnosis for Mastoiditis 3 Months Post Otitis Media
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Chronic mastoiditis: This is the most likely diagnosis given the history of otitis media and the development of mastoiditis, which can be a complication of untreated or inadequately treated otitis media. The chronic nature is suggested by the duration of symptoms.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Acute mastoiditis: Although less likely given the 3-month timeline, acute mastoiditis can occur as a complication of otitis media and should be considered, especially if there's a recent worsening of symptoms.
- Cholesteatoma: This is a type of skin cyst that can occur in the middle ear and mastoid and is a known complication of chronic otitis media. It can cause destruction of the surrounding bone and lead to mastoiditis.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Intracranial complications (e.g., brain abscess, meningitis, sigmoid sinus thrombosis): These are potentially life-threatening conditions that can arise from mastoiditis. Although less common, they are critical to diagnose early due to their high morbidity and mortality.
- Osteomyelitis: Infection of the bone, which can occur in the mastoid process, is a serious condition that requires prompt treatment to prevent long-term damage.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Sarcoidosis: A systemic disease that can affect multiple parts of the body, including the ears, and cause mastoiditis, though this would be an uncommon presentation.
- Tuberculous mastoiditis: Tuberculosis can affect the mastoid, but this is rare in many parts of the world and would typically be associated with other systemic symptoms of tuberculosis.
- Histiocytosis: A group of diseases involving abnormal proliferation of histiocytes, which can affect the mastoid and cause mastoiditis, though this is exceedingly rare.