Skull base osteomyelitis due to bilateral acute otitis media: Case report and literature review

Abstract

Skull base osteomyelitis is a rare and serious condition that primarily affects immunocompromised individuals and can be life threatening if not treated promptly. It can have various origins, with the most common being an extension of necrotizing external otitis. It is difficult to diagnose due to a wide array of clinical presentations. Imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis, identification of the possible source of infection, the extent of the disease, the pattern of spread and identification of associated complications. Early diagnosis is crucial to promptly initiate appropriate treatment. We report here a rare case of a 68-year-old patient presenting with skull base osteomyelitis resulting from bilateral otitis media, which is a rare condition.

Keywords

• Scull base osteomyelitis
• Magnetic resonance imaging
• Computed tomography
• Necrotizing external otitis