Skull Base Osteomyelitis: Historical Perspective, Diagnosis and Management Update

Abstract

SBO is a life-threatening disease that requires a high index of suspicion based on these patients complex underlying medical co-morbidities and clinician's acumen. Once a diagnosis is made, is it critical to communicate and work closely with other multidisciplinary teams (neuroradiology for appropriate choice of imaging study and interpretation; infectious disease for appropriate medical treatment and duration; internist to properly manage their underlying medical co-morbidities). Despite advances in imaging, the diagnosis is first made based on clinical judgment, appropriate culture, and tissue biopsy.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus; Malignant otitis externa (MOE); Skull base osteomyelitis (SBO).