Invasive Fungal Otitis Media in Diabetic Patients: A Case-Based Review

Background: Invasive fungal otitis media is clinically rare. The clinical features are often atypical in the early stages of the disease, and delayed treatment results in poor outcomes. Methods: In this study, we report 2 patients with invasive fungal otitis media with diabetes. The early diagnosis was confirmed by comprehensive methods such as laboratory tests and imaging examinations, and the condition was significantly improved by antifungal drugs and surgical treatment. Results: By reviewing the literature, we found that invasive fungal infections confined to the middle ear and mastoid were rarely reported, and the diagnosis and treatment were still controversial. Conclusion: In this article, we summarized and evaluated the different diagnoses and treatment methods so as to better diagnose and improve the cure rate in the early stage of invasive fungal infection of the middle ear. Keywords: Invasive fungal otitis media, middle ear surgery, diagnosis, treatment