Abstract
“Malignant” external otitis or necrotizing external otitis (NEO) is a rare and severe infection of the external auditory meatus, causing destructive changes of the petrous bone, infiltrating inframastoid and intracranial tissues, with potentially lethal consequences. Five male diabetic patients, aged 61 to 85 years-old (mean age was 74 y.o), referred with biopsy-proven NEO, underwent CT and MRI studies for the assessment of the extension of the disease. Clinical data concerning the examined patients are summarized in table 1. Contrast-enhanced MRI does not seem to help in differentiating granulation from neoplastic tissues, as both demonstrate inhomogeneous enhancement. In conclusion, NEO remains a life-threatening disease and early diagnosis is necessary for adequate pharmacological and hyperbaric therapy. Although non-specific, MRI appears to be the choice modality in demonstration of the extension and follow-up of NEO and related complications. CT, however, still maintains a complementary role in the assessment of bony erosion secondary to the disease.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
