Bacterial biofilms may explain chronicity in osteoradionecrosis of the temporal bone.
OBJECTIVE
To identify biofilm formation within a case of temporal bone osteoradionecrosis.


METHODS
Single-case patient presenting with temporal bone osteoradionecrosis.


METHODS
Antibiotic therapy and then surgical debridement of the temporal bone.


METHODS
Histologic identification of biofilm formation within the affected temporal bone specimen.


RESULTS
Positive identification of biofilm formation in multiple sections of the temporal bone specimen removed from a patient affected by osteoradionecrosis.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first evidence that temporal bone osteoradionecrosis involves biofilm formation. Such a pathogenic mechanism may explain the recalcitrance of this disease process and offer new strategies in formulating therapeutic interventions.
Nason
Robert
R
Department of Otolaryngology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.
Chole
Richard A
RA
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018441:Biofilms; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003646:Debridement; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D006931:Hyperbaric Oxygenation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009303:Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy; D010025:Osteoradionecrosis / Q000150:complications / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000601:surgery; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000382:microbiology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents