Severe lesions of the petrous bone caused by pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is often isolated in infections of the ear cleft. In some circumstances, this organism can cause serious petrous or peri-petrous lesions. Two pictures are seen: Malignant external otitis with severe headaches, signs of external otitis, and usually pseudomonas aeruginosa is isolated. This is usually seen in an elderly diabetic patient. Nerve paralysis is the main risk. The other complications, very grave in the past, are rare nowadays with the use of selective antibiotic treatment. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is also the causative organism in extensive osteitis of the skull base. Diagnostic problems are seen in case of specific infections or tumoral lesions. The treatment includes the same medications as for the malignant external otitis, as well as complete surgical excision.