Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in malignant otitis externa: a retrospective analysis

Malignant otitis externa (MOE) is a rare form of invasive osteomyelitis of the external ear canal. It is typically caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in immunocompromised patients. The diagnosis is clinical, and the initial treatment involves systemic antibiotics or antifungal therapy. Surgery is usually only considered when medical treatment has failed. Although hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is recommended for refractory osteomyelitis, there are no specific guidelines for MOE.

This is a retrospective study that evaluates clinical data, treatment, and results obtained in patients diagnosed with MOE treated with HBOT at the Pedro Hispano Hospital between 2007 and 2022.

During the study period, fifteen patients diagnosed with MOE were admitted for treatment with HBOT. All patients received antibiotic and/or antifungal therapy, and three required surgical intervention before starting HBOT. The pathology was successfully managed on all patients.

HBOT may be an effective adjuvant treatment option in patients with MOE but it lacks robust scientific evidence. However, its therapeutic value should not be underestimated due to the good results and few adverse effects reported in recent retrospective studies and case reports.