Research progress of necrotizing otitis externa / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Necrotizing otitis externa is a progressive infectious disease involving the external auditory canal and even the skull base, which can lead to serious complications and even death if not treated in time. In this paper, the latest advances in etiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment were reviewed based on previous literature, providing reference for clinical diagnosis, treatment and future research.

Current diagnosis and treatment of skull base osteomyelitis / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Skull base osteomyelitis is a rare, refractory, and potentially fatal disease primarily caused by otogenic and sino rhinogenic infections. At times, it can mimic neoplasia complicating the diagnosis. With the use of antibiotics, advancements in diagnostic methods, and skull base surgical techniques, the mortality rate has significantly improved. However, the successful diagnosis and treatment of the disease is still challenging due to delayed diagnosis, lengthy treatment course, a tendency for relapse and lack of guidelines. Therefore, this article aims to review the progress in the diagnosis and treatment of skull base osteomyelitis.

Facial nerve palsy in otitis externa: A red flag?

@#Otitis externa is an infection of the external auditory canal. It rarely results in facial palsy except in severe cases such as necrotizing otitis externa, which is a life-threatening invasive infection of the external auditory canal. Early recognition with prompt and appropriate treatment of necrotizing otitis externa is crucial to prevent more sinister complications. Here we report a case of an elderly gentleman who presented with otitis externa and developed facial palsy a month later. We identified possible problems that may have led to the complication so that such an occurrence can be prevented in the future.

Necrotizing Otitis Externa: A Disease Barely Known to Neurosurgeons

Necrotizing otitis externa (NOE), also known as malignant otitis externa (MOE), is a severe and rare infectious disease of the external auditory canal (EAC). Without treatment, it may progress to skull base involvement. The bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most common causative agent (90% of the cases), and affects immunocompromised subjects, particularly diabetic patients. Severe chronic otalgia, otorrhea, and cranial nerve palsy are the most common clinical presentations. Patients with NOE are frequently referred to neurosurgery because of the neurological impairment and skull base compromise. The definitive diagnosis is frequently elusive, requiring a high index of suspicion. Several laboratorial tests, imaging modalities, and the histologic exclusion of malignancy may be required. An early diagnosis and aggressive treatment reduce morbidity and mortality. We present four NOE cases to illustrate the spectrum of clinical presentation and complementary exams. According to the literature, more effort for early diagnosis and treatment is required, and neurosurgeons play an important role in this task.