Osteomyelitis of the base of the skull
- 1 March 1986
- journal article
- Published by Wiley in The Laryngoscope
- Vol. 96 (3), 245-251
- https://doi.org/10.1288/00005537-198603000-00003
Abstract
Infection in the marrow of the temporal, occipital, and sphenoid bones is an uncommon, but increasing occurrence. It is usually secondary to infections beginning in the external auditory canal and is caused almost uniformly by the gram negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. Technetium and gallium scintigraphy help in the early detection of such infections while CT scans demonstrate dissolution of bone in well-developed cases. Headache is the predominant symptom. Dysphagia, hoarseness, and aspiration herald the inevitable march of cranial nerves. We have diagnosed and treated 17 cases of osteomyelitis of the skull base. Although the total mortality rate is 53%, it is now a curable disease. Six of our last 8 patients remain alive, although 1 is still under treatment. Treatment is medical and requires the long-term concomitant intravenous administration of an aminoglycoside and a broad spectrum semisynthetic penicillin effective against the causative organism.Keywords
This publication has 8 references indexed in Scilit:
- The clinical significance of radionuclide bone and gallium scanning in osteomyelitis of the head and neckThe Laryngoscope, 1984
- Radiographic findings in progressive necrotizing “malignant” external otitisThe Laryngoscope, 1984
- Malignant external otitis: early scintigraphic detection.Radiology, 1984
- Complications of the treatment of malignant external otitisThe Laryngoscope, 1983
- Histopathology of pseudomonas osteomyelitis of the temporal bone starting as malignant external otitisAmerican Journal of Otolaryngology, 1980
- Malignant External Otitis: Further ConsiderationsAnnals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology, 1977
- Pathogenesis and Treatment of Facial Paralysis Due to Malignant External OtitisAnnals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology, 1972
- Malignant external otitisThe Laryngoscope, 1968