[The computed tomography of malignant otitis externa].

Computed tomography was performed preoperatively in 20 patients suffering from malignant external otitis. The CT findings were nearly completely confirmed by the intraoperative findings. A circumscribed or diffuse thickening of the cartilaginous wall of the external auditory canal and an inflammatory infiltration of the subtemporal fossa are, in combination, most suspicious signs of malignant external otitis. Computed tomography enables detailed information on the extension of the pneumatic system and the grade of involvement of bones and soft tissues in malignant external otitis. A modified classification of malignant external otitis based on computed tomographic findings is proposed.