Malignant Otitis Externa: A persistent challenge

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Published Jul 28, 2024
https://doi.org/10.62438/tunismed.v102i8.4867
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Vol. 102 No. 8 (2024): Tunis Med aug 2024

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Mayssa Khribi
ENT Department - Ibn El Jazzar Teaching Hospital of Kairouan, Medical University of Sousse. Tunisia
Wed El Abed
ENT Department - Ibn El Jazzar Teaching Hospital of Kairouan, Medical University of Sousse. Tunisia
Khalil Gnaba
ENT Department - Ibn El Jazzar Teaching Hospital of Kairouan, Medical University of Sousse. Tunisia

Abstract

Introduction: Although rare, Malignant otitis externa is responsible for a high morbidity and could sometimes be fatal. The management of this condition is still challenging.


 


Aim: To analyse the clinical, microbiological and radiological profile of malignant otitis externa, and the management of this condition.


 


Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted at ENT Department of Kairouan's hospital including 38 patients hospitalised and treated for malignant otitis externa from January 2013 to August 2021.


 


Results: The mean age of patients was 67.7 ± 12.9 years (35-98). All patients presented with continuous otalgia that resists to usual analgesics. Otorrhea was noticed in 76.3% of cases, facial palsy in 2 cases (5.3%) and dysphonia in one case (2.6%). Pseudomonas Aeruginosa was the main responsible pathogen (42%). Concomitant bacterial and fungal infection was noticed in 6.4% of the cases. First-line intravenous antibiotherapy used was mainly based on an association of Cephalosporins and Fluoroquinolones. Complete remission was noticed in 30 patients (79%). However, 8 cases of recurrences (21%) and 2 cases of deaths (5.2%) were noticed in our series. The mean follow-up was 4.6±6.3 (1-26 months).


Conclusions: Pseudomonas Aeruginosa remains the main responsible pathogen for malignant otitis externa. Nevertheless, fungal infections are rising because of the overuse of antibiotics. Antibiotherapy should be adapted to culture results and resistance profile of pathogens in hospital. Practionners should be aware of the possibility of concomitant fungal infection, especially in the case of unfavorable evolution

Keywords:

otitis, externa, , microbiology, diagnosis, management.

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Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Author Biographies

Wed El Abed, ENT Department - Ibn El Jazzar Teaching Hospital of Kairouan, Medical University of Sousse. Tunisia

Conceptualization and supervision.

Khalil Gnaba, ENT Department - Ibn El Jazzar Teaching Hospital of Kairouan, Medical University of Sousse. Tunisia

Review and final validation

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