Osteomyelitis involving the base of the skull is rare but serious infection.
Preceding events include:
(1) malignant otitis externa, typically with cellulitis (most common cause)
(2) sinusitis
(3) sepsis (hematogenous spread)
(4) infection following penetrating trauma to the posterior upper neck.
Patients at risk for skull base osteomyelitis:
(1) age > 65 years
(2) diabetics
(3) severe arteriosclerosis
(4) immunocompromised status (immunosuppression by disease or treatment, HIV)
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Specialty: Infectious Diseases, Surgery, orthopedic
