1 Infectious Diseases Unit and Departments of Otolaryngology, Pediatrics, and Pathology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Aviv University School of Medicine, Tel Hashomer, Israel
Necrotizing external otitis in an infant receiving cytostatic therapy for neuroblastema has been described. The disease is characterized by invasion and necrosis of the skin and cartilage of the external ear. P aeruginosa is the usual pathogen isolated in this infection. The disease should be suspected in infants with severe underlying conditions and who have external otitis that does not respond to local therapy. Vigorous antibiotic therapy and possible surgical intervention are indicated.