Nuclear scanning in necrotizing progressive “malignant” external otitis

Abstract

The usefulness of radionuclear scanning in the treatment of 18 patients with necrotizing progressive “malignant” external otitis is discussed. A Tc 99-m bone scan, a valuable test since results are positive in early cases of osteomyelitis of the temporal bone and base of skull, showed increased uptake in all 18 patients. In 6 patients, Ga-67 citrate scans were obtained at the start of therapy and at 5-6 week intervals thereafter. The serial gallium scans were useful in evaluating the effectiveness of therapy since the uptake decreased with control of infection. © The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.