ICD-11 definition : Malignant otitis externa is a rare life-threatening infective complication of otitis
externa. It is due in the majority of cases to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Organisms penetrate
from the external ear canal into the surrounding deeper tissues resulting in osteomyelitis
of the temporal bone and risks of damage to adjacent cranial nerves and septic thrombo-emboli
to the brain. Advanced age, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and immunosuppression are
risk factors.;
ICD-11 synonym : Pseudomonas aeruginosa osteomyelitis of the temporal bone; Necrotising otitis externa;
Malignant otitis externa is a rare life-threatening infective complication of otitis
externa. It is due in the majority of cases to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Organisms penetrate
from the external ear canal into the surrounding deeper tissues resulting in osteomyelitis
of the temporal bone and risks of damage to adjacent cranial nerves and septic thrombo-emboli
to the brain. Advanced age, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and immunosuppression are
risk factors.