Acute necrotizing otitis media in an infant: a case report

Acute necrotizing otitis media (ANOM), an uncommon but severe form of bacterial otitis media, frequently causes distressing sequelae if not properly diagnosed and treated. A four-month-old female infant initially became ill with intermittent fever, followed by left facial nerve paralysis and left otorrhea four days later. Microscopic examination of the left ear revealed congestion and swelling of the external ear canal, perforation of the eardrum and erosions on the malleus. Culture of pus from the otic lesion grew Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The patient's condition did not improve despite systemic administration of antibiotics; thus, surgical intervention was arranged. During the operation, near-total perforation of the eardrum, a dislodged incus, cholesteatoma-like matrix around the stapes, and granulation tissue occupying the middle ear and mastoid cavities were noted. Radical mastoidectomy was conducted and pathologic examination of the surgical specimen disclosed necrotic changes in both soft and bony tissues. The patient recovered soon after surgery. Her fever subsided one day after surgery and the patient was discharged in a stable condition 12 days later. However, she still had left facial nerve paralysis six months later.