Malignant otitis externa Flashcards
1
Q
what is it
A
Uncommon type of otitis externa that is found in immunocompromised individuals
2
Q
cause
A
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
3
Q
where does infection commence and progress
A
in the soft tissues of the external auditory meatus, then progresses to involve the soft tissues and into the bony ear canal
Progresses to temporal bone osteomyelitis
4
Q
associated conditions
A
diabetes
immunosuppression
5
Q
features
A
Severe, unrelenting, deep-seated otalgia
Temporal headaches
Purulent otorrhea
Possibly dysphagia, hoarseness, and/or facial nerve dysfunction
6
Q
Ix
A
A CT scan is typically done
7
Q
Mx
A
non-resolving otitis externa with worsening pain should be referred urgently to ENT
Intravenous antibiotics that cover pseudomonal infections
