Malignant otitis externa

A case is described of malignant otitis externa which was cured by a regime of general and local treatment, including the use of the antibiotic Tobramycin and timely mastoid surgery. The origins, progression, diagnosis and treatment of the disease are discussed with reference to some of the increasingly numerous reports in the literature. Reports disclose an increasing incidence and also an improved prognosis. The former is probably related to the survival of more elderly diabetics and the latter to a better understanding of the disease process and to early medical and, if necessary, surgical treatment. An important feature regarding treatment has been the advent of powerful specific antibiotics including Tobramycin.