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Malignant otitis externa
Definition
Malignant otitis externa is a disorder involving infection and damage of the bones of the ear canal and at the base of the skull.
Alternative Names
Osteomyelitis of the skull; Otitis externa - malignant
Causes
Malignant otitis externa is caused by the spread of an outer ear infection (otitis externa, also called swimmer's ear). It is an uncommon complication of both acute swimmer's ear and chronic swimmer's ear.
Risks for this condition include:
- Chemotherapy
- Diabetes
- Weakened immune system
External otitis is often caused by difficult-to-treat bacteria such as pseudomonas. The infection spreads from the floor of the ear canal to the nearby tissues and into the bones at the base of the skull. The infection and inflammation may damage or destroy the bones. The infection may spread more and affect the cranial nerves, brain, or other parts of the body.
Symptoms
- Drainage from the ear - yellow, yellow-green, foul smelling, persistent
- Ear pain - felt deep inside the ear and may get worse when moving head
- Hearing loss
- Itching of the ear or ear canal
- Fever
- Trouble swallowing
- Weakness in the face
- Voice loss
Exams and Tests
Your health care provider will look into your ear for signs of an outer ear infection. The head around and behind the ear may be tender to touch. A nervous system (neurological) examination may show that the cranial nerves are affected.
If there is any drainage, the doctor may send it to the lab for a culture. The purpose of the culture is to look for bacteria or fungi, usually the bacteria pseudomonas.
To look for signs of a bone infection next to the ear canal, the following tests may be performed:
- CT scan of the head
- MRI scan of the head
- Radionuclide scan
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to cure the infection. Treatment often lasts for several months, because it is difficult to treat the bacteria and reach an infection in bone tissue.
Antibiotics that are effective against the microorganism are given for long periods of time. They may be given through a vein (intravenously), or by mouth. Antibiotics should be continued until scans or other tests show that inflammation has gone down.
Occasionally, surgery to remove dead or damaged tissue (surgical debridement) in the skull is needed.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Malignant otitis externa usually responds to long-term treatment, especially if treated early. It may return in the future. Severe cases may be deadly.
Possible Complications
- Damage to the cranial nerves, skull, or brain
- Return of infection, even after treatment
- Spread of infection to the brain or other parts of the body
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:
- You develop symptoms of malignant otitis externa
- Symptoms continue despite treatment
- You develop new symptoms
Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have:
- Convulsions
- Decreased consciousness
- Severe confusion
- Facial weakness, loss of voice, or difficulty swallowing associated with ear pain or drainage
Prevention
To prevent an external ear infection:
- Dry the ear thoroughly after it gets wet.
- Avoid swimming in polluted water.
- Protect the ear canal with cotton or lamb's wool while applying hair spray or hair dye (if you are prone to getting external ear infections).
- After swimming, place 1 or 2 drops of a mixture of 50% alcohol and 50% vinegar in each ear to help dry the ear and prevent infection.
Treat acute otitis externa completely. Do not stop treatment sooner than your health care provider recommends. Following your doctor's plan completely will reduce the risk of malignant otitis externa.
References
Guss J, Ruckenstein MJ. Infections of the external ear. In: Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2010:chap 137.
Pfaff JA, Moore GP. Otolaryngology. In: Marx JA, ed. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 70.
O’Handley JG, Tobin EJ, Shah AR. Otorhinolaryngology. In: Rakel RE, ed. Textbook of Family Medicine. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 19.
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director and Director of Didactic Curriculum, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington. Seth Schwartz, MD, MPH, Otolaryngologist, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc
