The hidden star: mastoiditis as a late sequela of retained foreign body in the nose

Abstract

Abstract Background Acute mastoiditis is an intratemporal complication due to acute otitis media (AOM). Common risk factors include young age (often < 24 months), high values of C-reactive protein and previous antibiotic therapy, previous middle ear infection, or history of ear surgery. The main factor of acute mastoiditis is obstruction of the aditus antrum by granulation tissue or mucosa edema, inhibiting purulent drainage from the mastoid. Retained foreign body in the nose is a rare indirect cause of acute mastoiditis. It may be due to mucosal inflammation and accumulation of secretion causing nasal tract or nasopharyngeal infection leading to otitis media and later manifesting as an intratemporal complication. Case presentation We report a case of acute mastoiditis as a late sequela of retained foreign body in the nose, and we also emphasize the incidental radiological finding of a star-shaped foreign body in the nose, which was a miss during the initial presentation. Further questioning revealed a history of recurrent unilateral blood-stained, foul-smelling nasal discharge, which was left untreated for years, leading to a delayed presentation of acute mastoiditis. After removing the foreign body and broad-spectrum antibiotic administration, complete disease resolution was achieved. Conclusion Although rare, retained foreign bodies of the nose must be ruled out in certain cases of mastoiditis. A thorough history with a high index of clinical suspicion is recommended for early diagnosis to prevent complications.