Necrotising otitis externa: a serious condition becoming more frequently encountered

Abstract

Background: Necrotising otitis externa is an aggressive infection of the external ear, which extends to the surrounding bone and soft tissue. In recent years, there has been an apparent increase in the number of patients admitted to our hospital with this condition.

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of all patients admitted to our hospital with necrotising otitis externa between July 2012 and June 2020.

Results: Among 39 patients included, only 9 were diagnosed in the first four years, and 30 were diagnosed in the last four years. There were 27 males and 12 females, and the mean age was 78.7 years. There were six non-diabetic immunocompetent patients. Cranial nerve palsies developed in 50 per cent of the patients. Disease-related mortality was 7.7 per cent. A favourable outcome was recorded in 66.7 per cent of the patients.

Conclusion: Necrotising otitis externa is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The incidence of the disease is rising in our local geographical area.

Keywords: Cranial Nerves; Facial Nerve; Incidence; Malignant Otitis Externa; Otitis Externa.