Bezold’s Abscess as an Unusual Complication of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media in a Young Adult with Cerebral Palsy: A Case Report

Bezold abscess is a rare deep neck abscess whose incidence has markedly declined with the widespread use of antibiotics; however, it remains a serious complication of chronic suppurative otitis media in developing countries. We report a 28-year-old female with cerebral palsy who presented with fever and progressively enlarging left-sided neck swelling. Clinical examination revealed a warm, tender, fluctuant mass extending from the mastoid to the supraclavicular region, with a history of left ear otorrhea for six months. Otologic evaluation showed an attic perforation with cholesteatoma, and laboratory findings demonstrated marked leukocytosis (27,606/mm³). Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed otomastoiditis with extension into the cervical region. The patient underwent incision and drainage of the abscess, with pus culture growing Enterococcus species, followed by radical mastoidectomy. The tympanic membrane graft healed successfully. This case underscores the importance of early recognition and prompt management of otitis media, particularly in patients with communication disabilities, to prevent potentially life-threatening complications.