Malignant external otitis in a diabetic adolescent

Malignant external otitis (MEO) is an unusual medical problem. The case reported is that of a diabetic adolescent who presented with severe ear pain unresponsive to oral antibiotics and analgesics. The diagnosis of MEO was made, and he was successfully treated with a combination of intravenous anti-Pseudomonas agents. A review of the pediatric cases, guidelines for diagnosis, length of treatment, and prognosis are presented.