OTITIS EXTERNA, MALIGNANT

Course overview

Malignant otitis externa (MOE; also called necrotizing otitis externa), a complication of acute otitis externa (AOE), is an invasive, persistent infection that originates in the external auditory canal and spreads rapidly to neighboring structures (e.g., temporal bone, cartilage, nerves, blood vessels, base of the skull). Treatment consists of the long-term use for several months of I.V. or oral antibiotics for MOE caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa of other bacteria. Ototopical solutions (e.g., antibiotic, antifungal, acidifying solutions) are prescribed for MOE of fungal origin, and can be prescribed for MOE of bacterial origin. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of MOE, including its clinical presentation, symptoms, and treatment, and to aid in caring for the patient with this diagnosis. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.