Otomycosis: clinical features and treatment implications.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the clinical presentation, predisposing factors, complications, and treatment outcomes of otomycosis.


METHODS
Retrospective review of 132 patients with a clinical diagnosis of otomycosis treated from 1998 to 2004 in an academic otology practice.


RESULTS
Otalgia and otorrhea were the most common presenting complaints (48%). Prior otologic procedures increase the risk of developing otomycosis. Residual disease was observed in 13% and recurrence in 15% of the subjects. The presence of a mastoid cavity was associated with higher recurrent and residual disease rates. Topical ketoconazole, cresylate otic drops, and aluminum acetate otic drops were all relatively effective with >80% resolution rate on initial application, although topical ketoconazole had a higher resolution rate and lower rate of disease recurrence.


CONCLUSIONS
Otomycosis can usually be diagnosed by clinical examination and often occurs in the setting of persistent otorrhea. Complications are not uncommon but usually resolve with application of appropriate topical antifungal agents. Eradication of disease is more difficult in the presence of a mastoid cavity.
Ho
Tang
T
Bobby R. Alford Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.
Vrabec
Jeffrey T
JT
Yoo
Donald
D
Coker
Newton J
NJ
D000085:Acetates / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007654:Ketoconazole / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009181:Mycoses / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010032:Otitis Externa / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000085:Acetates; D000935:Antifungal Agents; C013396:aluminum acetate; D007654:Ketoconazole