Clival Osteomyelitis Presenting as a Skull Base Mass

Central skull base osteomyelitis is a rare, but potentially life-threatening disease entity often lacking otologic symptoms or external auditory canal pathology. We present a case of a man in his 70s who had developed cranial nerve deficits with radiographic evidence that was consistent with a tumor due to this uncommon entity. The radiologic findings and our experience are discussed to increase awareness in the otolaryngology community.