Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 7, 2025

Surgical Treatment of an Endolymphatic Sac Tumor
04:34

Surgical Treatment of an Endolymphatic Sac Tumor

Published on: May 26, 2023

767

Malignant External Otitis: What the Diabetes Specialist Should Know-A Narrative Review

Christos Tsilivigkos1, Konstantinos Avramidis2, Eleftherios Ferekidis3

  • 1First Department of Otolaryngology, Hippokration General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772, Athens, Greece. tsilivig@med.uoa.gr.

Diabetes Therapy : Research, Treatment and Education of Diabetes and Related Disorders
|March 10, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Malignant external otitis (MEO), a severe infection, often involves skull base osteomyelitis and is linked to Pseudomonas aeruginosa and diabetes. Despite treatment advances, MEO remains a significant health concern requiring multidisciplinary awareness.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Malignant external otitis (MEO) is a severe infection originating in the external auditory meatus, leading to extensive inflammation and osteomyelitis.
  • Pathogenesis commonly involves Pseudomonas aeruginosa and diabetes mellitus, contributing to high morbidity and mortality.
  • First described in 1968, MEO remains a condition of significant interest across multiple medical specialties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review fundamental aspects of Malignant External Otitis (MEO).
  • To highlight the disease's pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment, particularly its relationship with diabetes mellitus.

Main Methods:

  • A narrative review of English-language literature was conducted.
  • Searches were performed on PubMed and Google Scholar using keywords related to MEO, skull base osteomyelitis, and diabetes mellitus up to July 2022.
  • Relevant recent articles and foundational references were included.

Main Results:

  • Malignant external otitis (MEO) is a significant clinical entity primarily managed by Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) surgeons.
  • The review synthesizes current knowledge on MEO, emphasizing its connection to diabetes mellitus.

Conclusions:

  • Malignant external otitis (MEO) is not rare and requires awareness from diabetes specialists.
  • Diabetes specialists may encounter undiagnosed MEO or manage glucose control in hospitalized MEO patients.
Keywords:
Diabetes mellitusMalignant external otitisMalignant otitis externaNecrotizing external otitisSkull base osteomyelitisSurgery

More Related Videos

Endaural Endoscopic Atticoantrotomy Retrograde Mastoidectomy using a Constant Suction Bone-drilling Technique07:06

Endaural Endoscopic Atticoantrotomy Retrograde Mastoidectomy using a Constant Suction Bone-drilling Technique

Published on: May 23, 2021

3.9K
Author Spotlight: Advancing Endoscopic Ossiculoplasty – Techniques, Innovations, and Practical Guidance for Clinical Integration09:07

Author Spotlight: Advancing Endoscopic Ossiculoplasty – Techniques, Innovations, and Practical Guidance for Clinical Integration

Published on: January 26, 2024

2.5K

Related Concept Videos

Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications01:15

Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications

For most patients, experiencing several weeks of polyuria, polydipsia, fatigue, and significant weight loss may indicate the presence of diabetes. Furthermore, adults displaying the phenotypic appearance of type 2 diabetes (particularly those who are obese and not initially insulin-requiring), may have islet cell autoantibodies, suggesting autoimmune-mediated β cell destruction and a diagnosis of latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA). The categorization of glucose homeostasis is...
625
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype01:22

Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels due to inadequate insulin production, insulin resistance, or both. The condition affects millions worldwide and can significantly impact their health and quality of life.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
2.8K
Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy01:15

Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy

The therapy for diabetes aims to alleviate hyperglycemia-related symptoms, prevent acute metabolic decompensation, and reduce chronic end-organ complications. Glycemic control is evaluated through short-term (self-monitoring, continuous glucose monitoring) and long-term (A1c, fructosamine) metrics, enabling near real-time tracking of blood glucose levels and reflecting glycemic control over specific time frames.
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...
323
Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment01:27

Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment

In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
512
Glaucoma: Overview01:25

Glaucoma: Overview

Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
665