ECEESPE2025 ePoster Presentations Diabetes and Insulin (245 abstracts)
An atypical presentation of malignant otitis externa in a diabetic patient
Malika El Omri 1 , Nawress Thabet 2 , Mouna Belakhdher 1 , Jihene Houas 1 , Abir Meherzi 1 , Monia Ghammam 1 , Hamza Elfekih 3 , Wassim Kermani 1 & Mohamed Abdelkafi 1
1Farhat Hached Hospital, Department of ENT and Head and Neck Surgery, Sousse, Tunisia; 2Farhat Hached University Hospital, ENT Department, Sousse, Tunisia; 3Farhat Hached Hospital, Department of Endocrinology, Sousse, Tunisia
JOINT683
Background: External malignant otitis (EMO) is a severe infection often seen in immunocompromised patients, particularly those with diabetes mellitus. Atypical presentations can delay diagnosis and treatment.
Case Presentation: It is about a 62-year-old male with a history of type 2 diabetes who presented with a right earache and hypoacusis evolving for 3months, followed by facial asymmetry that developed 10 days before consultation. Physical examination revealed a Grade III right facial palsy (House and Brackmann classification) and normal otoscopy findings, including a well-calibrated external auditory canal, absence of otorrhea, and intact tympanic membrane. Imaging studies, including CT and MRI of the temporal bone, indicated chronic otomastoiditis with involvement of the second segment of the facial nerve. Initial treatment with corticosteroids and antivirals resulted in complete resolution of facial palsy. Two months later, the patient re-presented with right earache and itching. Otoscopy revealed a stenotic external auditory canal with otorrhea. Microbiological analysis of pus samples identified Aspergillus flavus. The patient was treated with voriconazole for six months, leading to a remarkable clinical response.
Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of considering fungal infections in atypical presentations of external malignant otitis in diabetic patients, especially when initial findings are unremarkable. Early recognition and targeted antifungal therapy are crucial for successful management.
Volume 110
Article tools
My recent searches
My recently viewed abstracts
Authors
Endocrine Abstracts
ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)
© Bioscientifica 2025 |
Privacy policy |
Cookie settings
BiosciAbstracts
Bioscientifica Abstracts is the gateway to a series of products that provide a permanent, citable record of abstracts for biomedical and life science conferences.
Find out more