title: Lower third molar infection with purulent discharge through the external auditory meatus. Case report and review of literature.
abstract: This manuscript reports an uncommon case of inferior third molar facial abscess with purulent secretion drainage through the left external acoustic meatus. The patient's left external acoustic meatus was filled with a purulent secretion observed on a CT scan. He underwent surgery to drain the facial abscess. Despite facial abscesses being routine occurrences, the literature does not contain many case reports of odontogenic facial abscesses with drainage via the external acoustic meatus. These situations occur in two possible ways: multiple fissures in the anterior wall of the cartilaginous portion of the external acoustic meatus; and congenital defects that are occasionally present in the anterior-superior aspect of the external acoustic meatus, known as the foramen of Huschke, which allow communication between the external acoustic meatus and mandibular fossa. These defects may also predispose the patient to the spread of the infection or tumour from the external auditory canal to the infratemporal fossa and vice versa. No otological sequelae were observed in this case. The authors conclude that the hypothesis of bone malformation cannot be excluded, and affirm that any facial abscess requires appropriate and immediate treatment for adequate resolution, by removing the causal factor and providing systemic support.
authors: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Periodontology, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors: A O
authors: AO
authors: Pepato
authors: M A K
authors: MA
authors: Yamaji
authors: C E
authors: CE
authors: Sverzut
authors: A E
authors: AE
authors: Trivellato
mesh_terms: D000038:Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis*; D000328:Adult; D019980:Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004322:Drainage; D004424:Ear Canal / Q000002:abnormalities*; D004433:Earache / Q000175:diagnosis; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008336:Mandibular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000601:surgery; D013492:Suppuration; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000002:abnormalities; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation; D014081:Tooth Extraction
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D019980:Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination