Abstract
Malignant otitis externa is a necrotizing infection of the external ear canal and surrounding soft tissue and bone, usually caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The infection classically occurs in diabetic patients, however recently, several patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) have been reported to have malignant otitis externa. A patient with AIDS who had malignant otitis externa with skull base osteomyelitis is presented and reported cases in patients with AIDS are reviewed. Predisposing factors include immunologic abnormalities (notably neutropenia), dermatitis, medications, neoplasm, and iatrogenic procedures, e.g., ear lavage. Treatment of malignant otitis externa has traditionally included anti-pseudomonal cephalosporins/penicillins and aminoglycosides for prolonged durations. Recently, ciprofloxacin has been shown to be effective as an oral regimen. With the increasing number of patients with AIDS being seen in the outpatient clinics, the diagnosis of malignant otitis externa should be considered in any patient with persistent ear pain or otorrhea who does not respond to conventional treatment for external otitis.
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.
