Malignant Aspergillus flavus Otitis Externa with Jugular Thrombosis

Emerg Infect Dis. 2019 Apr;25(4):830-832. doi: 10.3201/eid2504.180710.

Abstract

We report a case of malignant otitis externa with jugular vein thrombosis caused by Aspergillus flavus. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an unusual ink smudge pattern deep in a cervical abscess. The pattern was consistent with mycetoma and may be important for diagnosing these life-threatening infections.

Keywords: Aspergillus flavus; France; diagnostic imaging; dot in circle sign; ear infection; fungal infection; fungi; ink smudge pattern; jugular thrombosis; magnetic resonance imaging; malignant otitis externa; skull base osteomyelitis; voriconazole.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aspergillosis / complications*
  • Aspergillosis / diagnosis
  • Aspergillosis / microbiology*
  • Aspergillus flavus*
  • France
  • Humans
  • Jugular Veins / diagnostic imaging
  • Jugular Veins / pathology*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Otitis Externa / complications*
  • Otitis Externa / diagnosis
  • Otitis Externa / microbiology*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Venous Thrombosis / complications*
  • Venous Thrombosis / diagnosis