Zygomatic abscess with temporal myositis - a rare extracranial complication of acute otitis media

Acute mastoiditis is the most common complication of acute otitis media (AOM) and its early recognition and management still poses a challenge due to potentially serious consequences. The incidences of extracranial and intracranial suppurative complications of AOM in children have decreased significantly, yet they remain a serious clinical problem, especially when caused by bacteria resistant to antibiotics. The authors presented a case of rare AOM complication - zygomatic abscess with temporal myositis. A 6-year-old boy was admitted to the ENT Department with 4 weeks of ear pain, treated for AOM with cefuroxime axetyl and amoxicilline, with acute mastoiditis and subsequent abscess formation in zygomatic and preauricular region. The inflammatory process spread through anterior air cells to the zygomatic cells leading to a fistula formation in the zygomatic bone and breakthrough into the temporal muscle. The surgical procedures applied were: myringotomy with drainage, cortical mastoidectomy and revision of zygomatic area and treatment with antibiotics (ceftriaxon). Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus viridans were found in the culture of middle ear and mastoid effusion. After half a year of follow-up the child had a normal hearing. Severe complications of AOM are rare today. An early diagnosis in order to promote adequate management and prevent inherently suppurative complications is essential.