Malignant external otitis: the role of computed tomography and radionuclides in evaluation.
Nine patients with malignant external otitis (MEO) were evaluated with Tc-99m bone scans, Ga-67 citrate scans, pluridirectional tomography, and computed tomographic (CT) scans in order to assess the role of each in the diagnosis and management of MEO. The Tc-99m and Ga-67 citrate scans were the most accurate studies in the initial identification of disease activity, while the return to normal or improvement of the Ga-67 citrate scan has been shown to correlate best with clinical resolution of MEO. CT demonstrated soft-tissue disease and central skull base osteomyelitis better than pluridirectional tomography. CT is excellent for localizing and following the progression of bone disease; however, because reossification of the skull base is a very slow process, CT cannot be used to follow accurately regression or inactivity of MEO affecting this area. CT is the best modality for following soft-tissue extension of MEO.
D000368:Aged; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D005260:Female; D005710:Gallium Radioisotopes; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010032:Otitis Externa / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013667:Technetium; D014056:Tomography, X-Ray; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D005710:Gallium Radioisotopes; D013667:Technetium