Central skull base osteomyelitis as a complication of necrotizing otitis externa: Imaging findings, complications, and challenges of diagnosis

A Adams; C Offiah

doi:10.1016/j.crad.2012.02.004

Central skull base osteomyelitis as a complication of necrotizing otitis externa: Imaging findings, complications, and challenges of diagnosis

Clin Radiol. 2012 Oct;67(10):e7-e16. doi: 10.1016/j.crad.2012.02.004. Epub 2012 Apr 7.

Authors

A Adams¹, C Offiah

Affiliation

¹ Department of Radiology, St Bartholomew's Hospital, St Bartholomew's and the Royal London NHS Trust, West Smithfield, London, UK.

PMID: 22483946
DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2012.02.004

Abstract

Central skull base osteomyelitis is a rare, life-threatening complication of necrotizing or "malignant" otitis externa (NOE), which results in destruction of the skull base. The imaging appearances can be misinterpreted as malignancy but consideration of this diagnosis, both radiologically and clinically, is imperative to avoid the need for biopsy. The aim of this review is to highlight the pertinent imaging findings on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging as well as the potential complications of this condition.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Diagnosis, Differential
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
Osteomyelitis / complications
Osteomyelitis / diagnosis*
Osteomyelitis / etiology*
Otitis Externa / complications*
Otitis Externa / diagnosis*
Skull Base / diagnostic imaging*
Skull Base / pathology*
Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods