A review of the management of fungal otitis externa with necrosis of the
tympanic membrane: An additional of 2 cases to the literature.
Abstract
• A high index of suspicion is needed when otitis externa not improving
and there are symptoms of significant pruritis. • Signs of fungal
debris, either obvious spores or black particles in debris should alert
one to take a microbiology swab for fungal culture, which may yield
Candida or Aspergillus species. • Treat patients with regular and prompt
microsuctioning and application of topical antifungals for up to a
month: Aspergillus can be particularly aggressive and lead to tympanic
membrane erosions, ulceration and perforation. • Flumetasone/Clioquinol
drops are effective in Aspergillus fungal otitis externa • Consider
surgical repair if tympanic membrane not healed with medical treatment.