Clinical cases
Malignant external otitis – case report
Malignant (invasive) external otitis is a severe infection involving the external ear canal, primarily caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Elderly diabetics are at highest risk, but patients with malnutrition and immunesuppresion are also susceptible. The infection may involve widespread areas of soft tissue around the skull base and in more advanced cases may give rise to osteomyelitis and cranial palsies. A high index of suspicion is necessary in front of refractory external obits in an immunecompromised patient. Long term systemic antibiotherapy is mandatory in order to avoid/treat complications.

Susceptible patients should be educated to avoid contact with water with a high chloride concentration and to avoid manipulation of the ear canal.