Malignant otitis externa with optic neuritis.

Malignant otitis externa is a serious condition that presents difficulties in treatment, and also in monitoring its progress. A case of malignant otitis externa with optic neuritis is presented that remained refractory to standard treatment but was cured by adjuvant hyperbaric oxygen therapy. This is the only reported case that has survived this disease with optic neuritis. The usefulness of imaging techniques in this condition is discussed, as well as the ESR, in evaluating the effectiveness of treatment.