title: Diagnosis, complications, and treatment of malignant otitis externa.
abstract: Malignant otitis externa (MOE) is a severe penetrating infection which has spread outside the confines of the external auditory canal to involve temporal bone, mastoid air cells and periaural soft tissues. It is a rare but important condition, having a mortality rate of between 23%-75%. Clinical diagnosis in the early stage is difficult because the symptoms are similar to acute otitis externa. Diabetes Mellitus is an important predisposing factor present in up to 94% of patients. Two cases of MOE are presented underlining the clinical findings, spectrum of activity and treatment of the disease, and stressing the importance of early diagnosis.
authors.forename: C I
authors.initials: CI
authors.lastname: Timon
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: O'Dwyer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005839:Gentamicins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010032:Otitis Externa / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D013982:Ticarcillin / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D005839:Gentamicins; D013982:Ticarcillin