Malignant external otitis in a young diabetic patient

A case of malignant external otitis in a young diabetic is reported. This entity should be suspected in diabetics of all ages and in all immune-deficient patients presenting with aural discharge, associated with a dehiscence of the meatal wall, meatal granulations or post-aural abcess. Gentamicin/Carbenicillin combination obviated the need for major surgery.