Necrotising Otitis Externa: A Review of Imaging Modalities

Abstract

Necrotising Otitis Externa (NOE) has often posed some challenges in view of diagnosis and management by clinicians. One such challenge is the appropriate and timely use of imaging techniques since its use is critical not only in diagnosis but also in determining the extent and resolution of the disease. Hence, doctors in both primary and secondary health care need to be familiar with presenting symptoms while specialists need to be appraised of advances in imagining techniques in diagnosis and management of NOE. Whilst there is a general consensus amongst clinicians on some aspects of management of NOE, there is very limited consensus on the use of imaging modalities. There is no single modality of imaging that can provide a complete picture of diagnosis, disease progression and resolution. This review aims to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of various imaging techniques used in the diagnosis and management of NOE over the years and whether a multi-modal imaging technique at particular stages of the disease may provide better management outcomes.