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Malignant otitis externa

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Ear anatomy
Ear anatomy

Alternative Names    Return to top

Osteomyelitis of the skull; Otitis externa - malignant

Definition    Return to top

Malignant otitis externa is a disorder involving inflammation and damage of the bones and cartilage at the base of the skull.

Causes    Return to top

Malignant otitis externa is caused by the spread of an outer ear infection (otitis externa, also called swimmer's ear). It is an uncommon complication of both acute swimmer's ear and chronic swimmer's ear.

Risks for this condition include:

External otitis is often caused by difficult-to-treat bacteria such as pseudomonas. The infection spreads from the floor of the ear canal to the nearby tissues and into the bones at the base of the skull. The infection and inflammation may damage or destroy the bones. The infection may spread more and affect the cranial nerves, brain, or other parts of the body.

Symptoms    Return to top

Exams and Tests    Return to top

A doctor will look into your ear for signs of an outer ear infection (otitis externa). The head around and behind the ear may be tender to touch. A nervous system (neurological) examination may show that the cranial nerves are affected.

If there is any drainage, the doctor may send it to the lab for a culture. The purpose of the culture is to look for bacteria or fungi, usually the bacteria Pseudomonas.

To look for signs of a bone infection next to the ear canal, the following tests may be performed:

Treatment    Return to top

The goal of treatment is to cure the infection. Treatment often lasts for several months, because it is difficult to treat the bacteria and reach an infection in bone tissue.

Antibiotics that are effective against the microorganism are given for long periods of time. They may be given through a vein (intravenously), or by mouth. Antibiotics should be continued until scans or other tests show that inflammation has gone down.

Occasionally, surgery to remove dead or damaged tissue (surgical debridement) in the skull is needed.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Malignant otitis externa usually responds to long-term treatment, but it may return in the future.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have:

Prevention    Return to top

To prevent an external ear infection:

Treat acute otitis externa completely. Do not stop treatment sooner than your health care provider recommends. Following your doctor's plan completely will reduce the risk of malignant otitis externa.

Update Date: 10/10/2008

Updated by: Alan Lipkin, MD, Otolaryngologist, Private Practice, Denver, Colorado. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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