A 9-year-old girl is admitted to the emergency department with a painful swelling behind her ear. An MRI examination reveals mastoiditis. Which of the following structures is most likely to be affected by the inflammation?
Correct Answer: Transverse sinus
Description: (a) Source: GAS 907, 909; GA 474-475 Mastoiditis is an infection of the air cells within the mastoid process of the temporal bone, often caused by untreated acute otitis media. A known complication of mastoiditis is inflammation of the transverse sinus. Necrosis of the bone due to untreated infection will often affect the transverse sinus. The petrous part of the temporal bone is unlikely to experience inflammation. Infection in the middle ear is usually the preceding event to mastoiditis rather than occurring as a result of it. The occipital sinus is located far posteriorly to the mastoid process and is unlikely to be affected. Because of its position, the internal carotid artery will not be affected by this inflammation.
Category:
Anatomy
Get More
Subject Mock Tests
Practice with over 200,000 questions from various medical subjects and improve your knowledge.
Attempt a mock test nowMock Exam
Take an exam with 100 random questions selected from all subjects to test your knowledge.
Coming SoonGet More
Subject Mock Tests
Try practicing mock tests with over 200,000 questions from various medical subjects.
Attempt a mock test now