Otomastoid complications caused by chronic suppurative otitis media in the ENT Clinic of the “Timofei Moșneaga” Hospital

Introduction. Chronic suppurative otitis media is a chronic, progressive, active inflammation of the mucoperiosteum, characterized by persistent otorrhea, perforation of the tympanic membrane and hearing loss. Complications include progressive damage to middle ear structures due to auditory polyps, cholesteatoma and other infections. Methodology. A retrospective study was conducted on a group of 87 patients, aged between 18 and 82 years old, who addressed the Chişinău ENT Clinic presenting otomastoid complications caused by chronic suppurative otitis media. The following parameters were evaluated: age, sex, etiology, treatment, associated pathology and outcome. Results. In the case of the 87 patients included in the study, the predominant environment of origin was rural, with a male/female ratio of 44/43. The most common complication was mastoiditis (52 patients), 35 patients presented labyrinthitis, while in 11 patients the lateral semicircular canal was affected, six patients had facial nerve paresis, and six patients had an open oval window. Regarding the laboratory examinations, biological samples were collected in order to establish the pathogenic germs. The survival rate of patients diagnosed with otomastoid complications, treated in our clinic, was 99%, with only two deaths. Conclusions. Otomastoid complications are increasingly common in the Chişinău ENT Clinic and represent life-threatening medical and surgical emergencies. Early diagnosis, antibiotic administration and targeted surgical interventions are essential in managing this condition, especially in disadvantaged rural populations.