Malignant Otitis Externa Questions & Answers

Updated: Feb 11, 2022
  • Author: Brian Nussenbaum, MD, FACS; Chief Editor: Arlen D Meyers, MD, MBA  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What is malignant otitis externa (MEO)?

How is malignant otitis externa (MEO) diagnosed and treated?

What is the pathophysiology of malignant otitis externa (MEO)?

What is the prevalence of malignant otitis externa (MEO) in the US?

What are the morbidities of malignant otitis externa (MEO)?

What are intracranial complications in malignant otitis externa (MEO)?

What are comorbid conditions associated with malignant otitis externa (MEO)?

How does the incidence of malignant otitis externa (MEO) vary by sex?

Which age groups have the highest prevalence of malignant otitis externa (MEO)?

Presentation

Which clinical history findings are characteristic of malignant otitis externa (MEO)?

Which physical findings are characteristic of malignant otitis externa (MEO)?

What are causes of malignant otitis externa (MEO)?

Workup

Which leukocyte counts are characteristic of malignant otitis externa (MEO)?

Which erythrocyte sedimentation rates are characteristic of malignant otitis externa (MEO)?

What is the role of serum chemistry in the workup of malignant otitis externa (MEO)?

What is the role of cultures in the evaluation of malignant otitis externa (MEO)?

What is the role of Indium In 111–labeled leukocyte scan in the workup of malignant otitis externa (MEO)?

What is the role of imaging studies in the workup of malignant otitis externa (MEO)?

What is the role of technetium Tc 99 methylene diphosphonate bone scanning in the workup of malignant otitis externa (MEO)?

What is the role of Gallium citrate Ga 67 scanning in the workup of malignant otitis externa (MEO)?

What is the role of CT scanning and MRI in the workup of malignant otitis externa (MEO)?

What is the role of biopsy in the workup of malignant otitis externa (MEO)?

What are histologic features of malignant otitis externa (MEO)?

How is malignant otitis externa (MEO) staged?

Treatment

What is included in the medical care of malignant otitis externa (MEO)?

Which systemic antibiotics are used for treatment of malignant otitis externa (MEO)?

What is the duration of therapy for malignant otitis externa (MEO)?

What is the role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of malignant otitis externa (MEO)?

What is the role of surgery in the treatment of malignant otitis externa (MEO)?

Which specialists should be consulted in the treatment of malignant otitis externa (MEO)?

Medications

What are the goals of drug treatment for malignant otitis externa (MEO)?

Which medications in the drug class Antibiotics are used in the treatment of Malignant Otitis Externa?

Follow-up

What is the prognosis of malignant otitis externa (MEO)?

What is the rate of recurrence in malignant otitis externa (MEO)?

What is the mortality rate in malignant otitis externa (MEO)?