Pediatric Acute Mastoiditis: Which Factors Influence CT Scan Prescription and Surgical Intervention? A Multivariate Analysis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to investigate factors associated with computed tomography (CT) scan prescription and surgical intervention in pediatric patients with acute mastoiditis (AM).

METHODS: Children with AM admitted to Modena University Hospital over a 10-year period were retrospectively divided into 3 groups: those who did not undergo a CT scan nor surgery (Group A); those who underwent a CT scan but not surgery (Group B); and those who underwent CT scan and surgery (Group C). A multivariate analysis was performed to determine possible differences among groups in terms of clinical and laboratory variables.

RESULTS: In total, 80 patients were included (57 Group A, 22 Group B, 13 Group C). Factors independently associated with CT scan prescription and surgical intervention were WBC count (P=.015 and .041, respectively), CRP (P=.001 and .003, respectively), and at-home antibiotic administration (P=.008 and .039, respectively).

CONCLUSION: Laboratory parameters may be helpful in guiding pediatric AM management. Antibiotic treatment prior to admission is associated with a worse clinical picture.

Cite this article as: Lucidi D, Reale M, Cantaffa C, et al. Pediatric acute mastoiditis: which factors influence CT scan prescription and surgical intervention? A multivariate analysis. J Int Adv Otol. 2025, 21(4), 1899, doi: 10.5152/iao.2025.251899.