Malignant Otitis Externa

Question 1

ESSENCE

Answer 1

Severe and maybe life-threatening form of ottis media

Infection spreads to bones surrounding ear canal, progressing to osteomyelitis of the temporal bone of the skull

Question 2

AETIOLOGY

Risk factors

Answer 2

• Usually related to underlying risk factors
  
  • Diabetes
  • Immunosuppresant medication
  • HIV

Question 3

CLINICAL FEATURES

Key finding

Answer 3

Granulation tissue at junction between bone and cartilage in ear canal is key finding

Question 4

MANAGEMENT

General

Answer 4

• Admission under ENT team
• IV antibiotics
• Imaging (CT or MRI head)

Question 5

COMPLICATIONS

Answer 5

• Facial nerve damage and palsy
• Other cranial nerve involvement
• Meningitis
• Intracranial thrombosis
• Death