Malignant external otitis (MEO) is an aggressive infection that originates in external ear canal and spreads along the soft tissue and bone tissue of the skull. The most common etiologic agent is Psueudomonas aeruginosa. Fungi are rarely involved in Malignant external otitis. In immunocompromised patients (AIDS or acute leukaemia) it was observed Aspergillus fumigates. Fungal malignant external otitis (FMEO) is present in immunocompromised patients, usually with neutropenia or undergoing long steroid therapy, or in patients with severe diabetes mellitus.
Malignant external otitis caused fungal infections presents pain in the ear and aural fulness. The patient almost always has fever. In the most severe cases, the patient suffering from MEO presents severe otalgia, otorrhea, paralysis of the facial nerve and edema.
The treatment of fungal external malignant otitis includes extensive surgical debridement and intensive long-term antifungal therapy. The drugs most classically used are itraconazole or amphotericin B or voriconazole. Despite aggressive treatments the FMEO presents high morbidity and mortality, due to diagnostic delays and patient comorbidities.
See also:
- sudden deafness
Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery
Carlo Govoni performs surgery ENT at the nursing home in Columbus Clinical Center, via Buonarroti, 48 Milan and Hesperia Hospital, via Arquà, 80 - Modena. Another ambulatory is located in MILAN, Magenta road, civic number 64. Phone: (+39) 3358040811
Only private visits by appointment. Phone (+39) 3358040811
Hesperia Hospital Modena
