232 To Report A Rare Case of Fungal Necrotising Otitis Externa (NOE) Centred on The Left Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)

Abstract

Abstract Introduction NOE is a rare life-threatening complication of otitis externa, affecting the skull base, mastoid and temporal bones. Pseudomonas aeruginosa account for 95% of cases, making fungal NOE unusual. Complications secondary to NOE include cranial neuropathies, meningitis and dural sinus thrombophlebitis. Case-study A 67-year-old man with stage-5 chronic kidney disease presented with left otalgia and otorrhea. He was treated with antipseudomonal topical antibiotics and microsuction for months as an outpatient. Aspergillus flavus was grown on an initial swab, but subsequent cultures were negative. Computerised Tomography scans revealed inflammatory changes in the left masticator space with mastoid bone involvement suggestive of left NOE. He received three months of intravenous anti-pseudomonal antibiotics, microsuction and topical aminoglycosides. Despite interventions symptoms persisted and magnetic resonance imaging scanning revealed disease progression into the left TMJ, prompting maxillofacial surgical opinion. Following washout of the TMJ, a tissue biopsy was positive for DNA on pan-fungal PCR, and the sequence identified as Aspergillus flavus group. The patient was successfully treated with oral posoconazole and topical amphotericin and discharged home. Conclusions Fungal NOE remains poorly treated as there is limited guidance on antifungal choice and duration of treatment. It should always be considered, particularly in immunocompromised patients with intractable cases of NOE