ear, nose, and throat disorders
Mastoiditis
Diagnosis of Mastoiditis
Clinical evaluation Computed tomography (CT) Diagnosis of mastoiditis is clinical. CT is usually done, especially if an intratemporal or intracranial complication is suspected, to confirm the diagnosis and show the extent of the infection. Any middle ear drainage is sent for culture and sensitivity. Myringotomy can be done for culture purposes if no spontaneous drainage occurs. Complete blood count (CBC) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) may be abnormal but are neither sensitive nor specific and add little to the diagnosis. 