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Extensive Skull Base Osteomyelitis Secondary to Malignant Otitis Externa.
Luca Bruschini1, Stefano Berrettini1, Cambi Christina1
1ENT Audiology and Phoniatric Unit, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
The Journal of International Advanced Otology
|March 30, 2019
Summary
Skull base osteomyelitis, a complication of malignant otitis externa, can spread extensively. This case shows severe skull base and cervical spine involvement, even contralaterally, over three years.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Skull base osteomyelitis is a severe complication of malignant otitis externa.
- Diagnosis typically relies on clinical, microbiological, and radiological assessments.
Observation:
- A 76-year-old man presented with right-sided malignant otitis externa involving otomastoid structures and the temporal bone.
- Over three years, skull base osteomyelitis progressed despite antibiotic therapy.
Findings:
- The infection spread to involve the entire skull base, including the contralateral petrous temporal bone.
- Cervical vertebral processes were also affected, demonstrating an exceptional extent of disease.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for aggressive progression of malignant otitis externa and skull base osteomyelitis.
- It underscores the importance of comprehensive imaging and long-term monitoring for extensive infections.
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