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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Imaging of “Malignant” External Otitis

subject

description

“Malignant” external otitis or necrotizing external otitis (NEO) is a rare and severe infection of the external auditory meatus, causing destructive changes of the petrous bone, infiltrating inframastoid and intracranial tissues, with potentially lethal consequences. Five male diabetic patients, aged 61 to 85 years-old (mean age was 74 y.o), referred with biopsy-proven NEO, underwent CT and MRI studies for the assessment of the extension of the disease. Clinical data concerning the examined patients are summarized in table 1. Contrast-enhanced MRI does not seem to help in differentiating granulation from neoplastic tissues, as both demonstrate inhomogeneous enhancement. In conclusion, NEO remains a life-threatening disease and early diagnosis is necessary for adequate pharmacological and hyperbaric therapy. Although non-specific, MRI appears to be the choice modality in demonstration of the extension and follow-up of NEO and related complications. CT, however, still maintains a complementary role in the assessment of bony erosion secondary to the disease.