What’s Your Diagnosis? Pediatric Ear Complaints

Welcome to this month’s What’s Your Diagnosis Challenge!

But before we begin, check to see if you got the previous case on Emergency Department Management of Acute Pediatric Sickle Cell Disease Complications right.

Case Presentation: Management of Common Pediatric Ear Complaints in the Emergency Department 

A 1-year-old girl presents to your ED with fever and fussiness… 

• Her parents report that she has been crying more than normal over the past 2 days. They tell you she has decreased oral intake and that she is drooling more than normal. Her maximum temperature at home was 39.1°C. Her parents also report she has been sick recently with cough and congestion, though those symptoms have since improved. 
• On examination, you note the patient is overall well-appearing but hesitant to examination, and she cries as you approach. 
• What clinical findings would point you toward an ear-related underlying diagnosis?

Make your best guess, and check back next month for the case conclusion!

USACS subscribers can log in or renew here.