Malignant external otitis with multiple cranial nerve involvement.

A case of bilateral malignment external otitis with multiple cranial nerve deficits is presented. Thirty-five similar cases reported in the world literature are reviewed. All cranial nerves have been involved with the exception of the first and fourth. The resultant pseudomonas ostemyelitis may be spread extensively in these elderly diabetic patients to involve the entire base of the skull as well as other structures. The preferred treatment is long term systemic antibiotics followed by surgical intervention for plateau or further progression of disease. The overall mortality is 61 percent (22/36), a lower figure than previously reported.