Behavioural pattern of malignant otitis external: 10-year review in Ibadan

Malignant externa otitis is a rapidly progressive infection of the external ear canal, mastoid and the base of the skull caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in elderly diabetics and other immunosuppressive conditions. Thirteen cases of malignant externa otitis seen in the E.N.T. Dept University College Hospital, Ibadan between 1988 and 1997 were reviewed. The mean age was 62 years and the mean duration of diabetes was 14 years. The most frequent symptoms were otalgia 13 (100%) and otorrhoea 12 (92%). The complications include multiple cranial neuropathy 11 (85%), meningitis (31%), brain abscess (8%), and infratemporal abscess 1 (8%). There were 8 deaths (62%) showing that this is still a dangerous condition in our environment. The problems identified were late presentation of cases and inavailability of facilities for prompt control and monitoring of patients. It is hoped that the outlook of the disease can be improved if there are corrected.