H70.8 - Other Specified Mastoiditis | ICD-10
H70.8 is the ICD-10 code for other specified forms of mastoiditis, referring to inflammation of the mastoid bone behind the ear that does not fit standard classifications.
Things worth knowing about "H70.8"
H70.8 is the ICD-10 code for other specified forms of mastoiditis, referring to inflammation of the mastoid bone behind the ear that does not fit standard classifications.
What is H70.8?
The ICD-10 code H70.8 refers to other specified forms of mastoiditis – inflammatory conditions of the mastoid process that do not fall under the main categories of mastoiditis. The mastoid process is a bony prominence of the temporal bone located behind the ear. It contains air-filled cavities called mastoid cells, which are connected to the middle ear cavity.
Causes
Mastoiditis typically develops as a complication of inadequately treated acute otitis media (middle ear infection). Under the code H70.8, additional or atypical causes may include:
- Rare bacterial pathogens (e.g., Mycobacterium tuberculosis, anaerobic bacteria)
- Chronic inflammatory processes with an unusual clinical course
- Post-surgical complications following mastoid procedures
- Granulomatous diseases affecting the mastoid
- Infections related to immunodeficiency or immunosuppression
Symptoms
Symptoms of mastoiditis can vary depending on the type and severity. Common signs include:
- Pain and tenderness behind the affected ear
- Redness and swelling of the skin over the mastoid process
- Protrusion of the ear due to retroauricular swelling
- Fever and general malaise
- Ear discharge (otorrhea)
- Hearing loss in the affected ear
In atypical or other specified forms (H70.8), symptoms may develop gradually and initially appear less pronounced.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made by a physician and typically involves:
- Clinical examination: Inspection of the outer ear and the area behind the ear
- Otoscopy: Examination of the ear canal and eardrum
- Imaging: CT (computed tomography) or MRI of the temporal bone to assess mastoid cell involvement
- Laboratory tests: Complete blood count and inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR)
- Swab and culture: Pathogen identification from ear secretions to guide antibiotic therapy
Treatment
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition:
- Antibiotic therapy: Frequently administered intravenously using broad-spectrum antibiotics; tailored to culture results for atypical pathogens
- Surgical intervention (mastoidectomy): Required in cases of abscess formation or failure to respond to conservative treatment
- Treatment of the underlying condition: For specific causes such as tuberculosis, targeted therapy is initiated
- Follow-up care: Regular ENT (ear, nose, and throat) check-ups to monitor recovery
Complications
Untreated or inadequately managed mastoiditis can lead to serious complications:
- Subperiosteal abscess (collection of pus beneath the periosteum)
- Meningitis (inflammation of the meninges)
- Brain abscess
- Labyrinthitis (inflammation of the inner ear)
- Facial nerve palsy (paralysis of the facial nerve)
- Sigmoid sinus thrombosis
References
- World Health Organization (WHO): ICD-10 Version 2019, Chapter VIII – Diseases of the ear and mastoid process, Code H70.
- Kaplan, S.L. et al.: Mastoiditis in children – Diagnosis and Management. Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal, 2020.
- Bluestone, C.D. & Klein, J.O.: Otitis Media in Infants and Children. 4th ed. BC Decker, Hamilton, 2007.
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