Acute mastoid abscess and cholesteatoma.

A 10-year review of acute mastoid abscess treated surgically in Belfast revealed a total of 24 cases, 12 of which were found to have an underlying cholesteatoma. The surgical management of these 12 cases is outlined but despite a desire to maintain an intact canal wall, 9 of them to date have ended up with an open cavity. The danger of conservative management and the possible association between acute mastoid abscess and cholesteatoma, especially in developed countries, is stressed.