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Otitis externa and myringitis due to demodicidosis
E Klemm1, G Haroske, U Wollina
1Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Dresden- Friedrichstadt Hospital, Academic Teaching Hospital of the Technical University of Dresden, Friedrichstrasse 41, 01067 Dresden, Germany. klemm-ec@khdf.de
This study details a rare case of chronic ear inflammation caused by Demodex mites. Topical mite treatment resolved the otitis externa, with myringoplasty addressing the eardrum issue.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Dermatology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Chronic pruritic otitis externa and myringitis can present diagnostic challenges.
- Ectoparasitic infestations are an under-recognized cause of external ear canal inflammation.
Observation:
- An 84-year-old woman presented with persistent, itchy external otitis and myringitis.
- Standard microbiological and mycological tests did not identify the causative agent.
- Histological examination revealed a significant presence of Demodex mites.
Findings:
- Demodex mite infestation was identified as the cause of the patient's otitis externa.
- Topical treatment targeting Demodex mites led to complete resolution of the external ear canal inflammation.
- Myringoplasty was successfully performed to treat the myringitis.
Implications:
- This case highlights Demodex mites as a potential pathogen in chronic otitis externa and myringitis.
- Histological examination is crucial for diagnosing Demodex-related ear conditions when other causes are excluded.
- Effective topical treatments for Demodex can resolve associated ear inflammation.
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