Imaging
Malignant Otitis Externa
- Preliminary Diagnosis: Malignant Otitis Externa
-
I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis
- II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of malignant otitis externa.
-
III. What are the contraindications for the first-line imaging technique?
-
IV. What alternative imaging techniques are available?
- V. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the alternative techniques for diagnosis of malignant otitis externa.
- VI. What are the contraindications for the alternative imaging techniques?
Preliminary Diagnosis: Malignant Otitis Externa
I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis
CT temporal bone with and without contrast
II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of malignant otitis externa.
Advantages
Relatively inexpensive, fast imaging modality
More specific and sensitive in evaluating the osseous structures for any evidence of erosion and destruction seen in otitis externa or temporal bone osteomyelitis
Better adept for detailing any involvement of the middle ear and inner ear osseous structures, specifically the ossicular chain, cochlea, and semicircular canals
Disadvantages
Exposes the patients to ionizing radiation
Less sensitive for detailing any subtle osseous edema or focal areas of enhancement
III. What are the contraindications for the first-line imaging technique?
May be contraindicated in pregnant patients
IV. What alternative imaging techniques are available?
MR imaging with and without contrast of the temporal bone and external ear
V. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the alternative techniques for diagnosis of malignant otitis externa.
MR imaging with and without contrast of the temporal bone and external ear
Advantages
More specific and sensitive in detecting subtle enhancement and edema of the osseous structures signifying early inflammation or osteomyelitis not appreciated on CT imaging
May better detail any underlying or adjacent abscess
Does not expose patients to ionizing radiation
Disadvantages
Less adept in identifying the osseous structures and anatomy of the middle and inner ear
VI. What are the contraindications for the alternative imaging techniques?
MR imaging with and without contrast of the temporal bone and external ear
Contraindicated in patients with non-MR compatible hardware
Copyright © 2017, 2014 Decision Support in Medicine, LLC. All rights reserved.
No sponsor or advertiser has participated in, approved or paid for the content provided by Decision Support in Medicine LLC. The Licensed Content is the property of and copyrighted by DSM.
The Cardiology Advisor Articles
- Statins in Patients Older Than 75: A Meta-Analysis of 28 Controlled Trials
- PAH Therapy Guidelines Updated by CHEST Expert Panel
- Reversal Agent Reduces Severe Bleeding With Factor Xa Inhibitors
- Missed Diagnosis of New-Onset Systolic Heart Failure Common in Children
- Alirocumab Will Soon Be Available at New Reduced Price in the United States
- Societies Release Updated Guidelines for the Management of Atrial Fibrillation
- FDA: Unauthorized INR Test Strips Part of Large Recall
- Does Rivaroxaban Plus Aspirin Prevent Early Coronary Bypass Graft Occlusion?
- Banding Together: How Some Physicians Are Fighting the MOC Program
- Swan-Ganz Thermodilution Catheters Recalled Due to Lumen Reversal
- Safety of Immediate Sildenafil Administration After Mitral Valve Surgery
- Impaired Microvascular Function Predictive of Adverse CV Outcomes in Women
- Coexisting Medical Conditions, Smoking May Explain PTSD-CVD Link
- Nurse Navigators Improve Outcomes Following ACS Hospitalization
- Guidelines Updated for Treating Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Adults