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Malignant external otitis and osteomyelitis of the base of the skull

J R Chandler1

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Florida.

The American Journal of Otology
|March 1, 1989
PubMed

Insights

Malignant external otitis can recur if not fully treated, potentially causing skull base infections. Early symptoms include persistent headache and hearing loss, requiring aggressive antibiotic therapy for at least two months.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Malignant external otitis (MEO) can recur if treatment is incomplete.
  • Recurrence may involve the skull base, presenting with subtle early symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the importance of complete treatment for MEO.
  • To describe the potential complications and early signs of skull base involvement.

Main Methods:

  • Clinical observation and case review of MEO patients.
  • Emphasis on diagnostic indicators like headache and conductive hearing loss.

Main Results:

  • Incomplete MEO treatment leads to recurrence in the ear canal or skull base.
  • Skull base involvement may manifest as unremitting headache and progressive lower cranial nerve paralysis.
  • Conductive hearing loss due to middle ear fluid is a common symptom.

Conclusions:

  • Vigorous and continuous treatment is essential for MEO, aiming for resolution confirmed by gallium scans.
  • Treatment duration should be a minimum of two months with intravenous antibiotics.
  • Oral antimicrobial agents show promise for future treatment protocols.

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