851 Necrotising Otitis Externa Secondary to Ear Syringing in an Otherwise Healthy Patient: A Case Report

Abstract Introduction Unrelenting unilateral otalgia in an elderly or diabetic immunocompromised patient is clinically suspicious for necrotising otitis externa (NOE). This advancement of normal diffuse OE that can complicate into a number severe neurological pathologies, and it becoming increasingly common1. We report case here NOE became acutely apparent following ear syringing, due to the introduction micro-organisms external auditory canal (EAC). Literature review shoes only 3 previous articles have explored this pathological link. Case presentation A lady her 90s with no known diabetes immunocompromise, presented combination otalgia, otorrhea profound hearing loss. plethora symptoms had developed persisted syringing she underwent chronic wax impaction. diagnosis was made based on clinical symptoms, presence polyp anterior aspect (EAC) as well positive Computed Tomography (CT) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) findings. Prompt administration intravenous (IV) antibiotics initiated addition biopsy send histological analysis. Her overall clinic status improved, ultimately discharged prolonged IV antibiotic course alongside outpatient team (OPAT) support advice given avoidance syringing/aural irrigation at least reduction frequency its use. Conclusions rare emphasises significance precipitating by transmission Pseudomonas aeruginosa via fluid lavage instrumentation.