Malignant or Necrotizing Otitis Externa Complicated by Peripheral Facial Paralysis in an Immunocompromised Diabetic Patient: A Case Report

Abstract

Necrotizing otitis externa is a serious condition that poses increasing challenges in therapeutic management. We report a case of necrotizing otitis externa complicated by facial paralysis in an unbalanced diabetic patient. Malignant otitis externa (MEO), also known as necrotizing otitis, is a rare but severe infectious disease of the external auditory canal (EAC) that can spread to the adjacent soft tissues and bone. The predisposing condition is diabetes, with the onset occurring electively in elderly diabetic or immunocompromised patients. Glycaemic control combined with antibiotic therapy adapted to the pathogen resulted in regression of clinical signs and cure of the infection.