Otite externe maligne à Candida Albicans

Malignant otitis externa is also referred to as skull base osteomyelitis. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most common offending pathogen. However, fungal origin is not uncommon. 80-year-old patient having persistent left earache since two months despite adequate treatment. Otologic examination showed signs of inflammation in the auricular pavilion, ear canal stenosis with granulomas and purulent otorrhea. CT scan showed a filled otomastoid, extensive inflammatory process affecting the pre-auricular and retro-auricular tissues and lysis of the tympanic bulla. Given the lack of improvement, mycological examination was performed which revealed the presence of Candida Albicans. Cases of malignant otitis externa caused by Candida albicans are rarely reported. Fungal origin should be suspected in patients who have negative bacteriological samples and no improvement despite adequate antibiotic treatment. It should be confirmed by sometimes multiple mycological samples. Malignant otitis externa caused by Candida albicans is a rare potentially mortal infection.