Malignant external otitis: management policy.

Malignant external otitis is a progressive pseudomonal infection of the external auditory canal and adjacent structures. In the literature there is no unified policy regarding the management of malignant external otitis. The development of an effective nuclear scanning method and antibiotics active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa have helped in formulating our management policy. A review of four years personal experience with this condition is presented. All of our cases were cured from the disease with no fatality. Gallium citrate scans showed that antipseudomonal treatment should continue for up to three months.