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Observational Study
. 2020 Apr;16(1):98-103.
doi: 10.5152/iao.2020.7709.

Malignant Otitis Externa: Causes for Various Treatment Responses

Nenad Arsovic  1 , Nemanja Radivojevic  1 , Snezana Jesic  1 , Snezana Babac  2 , Ljiljana Cvorovic  1 , Zoran Dudvarski  1
Affiliations
Observational Study

Malignant Otitis Externa: Causes for Various Treatment Responses

Nenad Arsovic et al. J Int Adv Otol. 2020 Apr.

Abstract

Objectives: Malignant (necrotizing) otitis externa (MOE) is an aggressive form of skin inflammation of the external ear with a tendency to spread infection to the temporal bone. The study aimed to evaluate a causal relationship between treatment responses and clinical features in patients with MOE.

Materials and methods: In a retrospective, descriptive section study, the database was analyzed between January 2008 and December 2018 in our department, all patients with diagnosed MOE were identified.

Results: A total of 30 patients were evaluated, of which 27 men and 3 women. The youngest patient was 52 years old while he was eldest 88 years, (mean-71 years old). As the most common comorbidity, diabetes mellitus was found in 23 (76%) subjects. Median duration of symptoms was about 3 months. The most common isolated pathogen was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (47%). Patients with facial nerve palsy and erosion of temporal bone find on computerized tomography affect prolonged stationary treatment (Mean, SD 29.2±8.5 and 26,7±11.6 days), while 80% of patients with facial nerve palsy had recurrence of disease (p=0.005) with mean duration of clinical remission of 60±17.3 days. Overall length of treatment is also increased in the presence of comorbidities as well as in patients with cranial nerve involvement.

Conclusion: Patients with cranial nerve involvement, erosion of temporal bone and presence of comorbidities affect prolonged treatment and adverse prognosis. Early diagnosis and initiation of aggressive therapy are essential for stopping the further spread of the disease and prevention of serious complications.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

Figures

Figure 1. a–c
Figure 1. a–c
Coronal MRI images of patient who had expansion of the process in soft tissue. a) spread of process in the left tympanic cavity and soft tissue swelling in the infratemporal space. b) left pharyngeal wall swelling. c) The spread of infection in left parapharyngeal space and affected reccurent nerve.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Influence of different variables on the length of treatment.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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