Imaging spectrum and complications of otogenic infections: insights into delayed diagnosis

Abstract

Skull base osteomyelitis (SBO) is a late manifestation of complicated otogenic infections that presents a diagnostic challenge. Delayed or missed diagnoses lead to high morbidity and mortality and can be attributed to non-specific symptoms, subtle early radiologic findings, radiologic mimicry of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), and under-recognition from clinician and radiologists. This pictorial review aims to emphasize on early imaging recognition and distinction between SBO and NPC.

Keywords: Bell’s palsy; cranial neuropathy; malignant; mimic; nasopharyngeal carcinoma; necrotizing; osteomyelitis; otitis externa; otogenic; skull base.