Bezold's abscess


Bezold's abscess is an abscess deep to the sternocleidomastoid muscle where pus from mastoiditis erodes through the cortex of the mastoid part of the temporal bone, medial to the attachment of sternocleidomastoid, extends into the infratemporal fossa, and deep to the investing layer of the deep cervical fascia. It is a rare complication of acute otitis media.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:
CT scan of mastoid and swelling of the neck.
Differential diagnosis should include:
Cortical mastoidectomy for mastoiditis. Exploration of fistulous opening into the soft tissues of neck. Drainage of the neck abscess from a separate incision and insertion of a drain. Administration of intravenous antibiotics guided by the culture and sensitivity of the pus.

Eponym

It is named after Friedrich Bezold.