Bacterial biofilms may explain chronicity in osteoradionecrosis of the temporal bone

Otol Neurotol. 2007 Dec;28(8):1026-8. doi: 10.1097/MAO.0b013e318157f102.

Abstract

Objective: To identify biofilm formation within a case of temporal bone osteoradionecrosis.

Patient: Single-case patient presenting with temporal bone osteoradionecrosis.

Intervention(s): Antibiotic therapy and then surgical debridement of the temporal bone.

Main outcome measure(s): Histologic identification of biofilm formation within the affected temporal bone specimen.

Results: Positive identification of biofilm formation in multiple sections of the temporal bone specimen removed from a patient affected by osteoradionecrosis.

Conclusion: This is the first evidence that temporal bone osteoradionecrosis involves biofilm formation. Such a pathogenic mechanism may explain the recalcitrance of this disease process and offer new strategies in formulating therapeutic interventions.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Biofilms*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Debridement
  • Hearing Loss / etiology
  • Humans
  • Hyperbaric Oxygenation
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / complications
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Osteoradionecrosis / complications
  • Osteoradionecrosis / microbiology*
  • Osteoradionecrosis / surgery
  • Temporal Bone / microbiology*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents