The diagnostic conundrum in necrotizing otitis externa

• Published in: World journal of otorhinolaryngology - head and neck surgery Vol. 10; no. 1; pp. 59 - 65
• Main Authors: Ahmed, Abiya A., Rashid, Shaan, Gupta, Vinay K., Molony, Neil C., Gupta, Keshav K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01.03.2024; Wiley
• Subjects: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome; AIDS; Antibiotics; Biopsy; Bones; Diabetes; diagnostic; Infections; Magnetic resonance imaging; malignant otitis externa; Medical imaging; Mortality; necrotizing; osteomyelitis; Patients; skull base osteomyelitis; temporal bone osteomyelitis; Tomography; osteomyelitis; diagnostic; malignant otitis externa; temporal bone osteomyelitis; skull base osteomyelitis; necrotizing
• ISSN: 2095-8811; 2589-1081; 2589-1081
• DOI: 10.1002/wjo2.100

Necrotizing otitis externa (NOE) is an aggressive and fast‐evolving infection of the external auditory canal. Late diagnoses and untreated cases can lead to severe, even fatal consequences and so early diagnosis and treatment are paramount. NOE is a notoriously challenging diagnosis to make. It is therefore important to understand what diagnostic modalities are available and how otolaryngologists can use them to accurately treat such an aggressive disease. This review aims to evaluate the different diagnostic options available in NOE and discuss their advantages and limitations, thus, providing an up‐to‐date picture of the multimodal approach required in the diagnosis of this disease. Key points This study evaluates the current evidence available in diagnosing necrotizing otitis external (NOE). It summarizes the key advantages and disadvantages of the available diagnostic modalities. All diagnostic modalities play a complementary role in diagnosing NOE, tracking its progression, its prognosis, and its resolution. Ultimately a combination of modalities will be required in safely treating NOE.