Malignant otitis externa with skull base osteomyelitis

E Illing; M Zolotar; E Ross; O Olaleye; N Molony

doi:10.1093/jscr/2011.5.6

Malignant otitis externa with skull base osteomyelitis

J Surg Case Rep. 2011 May 1;2011(5):6. doi: 10.1093/jscr/2011.5.6.

Authors

E Illing¹, M Zolotar¹, E Ross¹, O Olaleye¹, N Molony¹

Affiliation

¹ Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, UK.

Abstract

Malignant otitis externa associated with skull base osteomyelitis is a condition seen classically in the elderly, diabetic patient. This disease is difficult to manage, often requiring long-term antibiotic therapy. Here we present such a case, seen in a 74- year-old lady. Initially, she was treated for a number of years in the outpatient department with intermittent ear complaints, but eventually required a hospital admission that lasted for 6 months due to a severe malignant otitis externa complicated by skull base osteomyelitis. We will discuss the clinical features, diagnostic criteria, imaging and management of this life-threatening clinical entity.