Skull base osteomyelitis in an immunocompetent host: a rare and atypical presentation

INTRODUCTION Skull base osteomyelitis (SBO) is a rare clinical entity, more so in immunocompromised patients as compared to immunocompetent ones. We r e p o r t a n u n u s u a l c a s e o f S B O i n a n immunocompetent male patient in his 40s, who presented to us with the complains of left ear discharge & decreased hearing. MATERIAL AND METHOD A male patient in his early 40s, with no comorbidities, presented with deviation of angle of the mouth towards the right side for seven months, along with the inability to close the left eye for three months. CONCLUSION The classical signs & symptoms of SBO like nocturnal pain, ear discharge, granulations in EAC & otitis externa not responding to treatment were absent in this patient. 7th , 9 th, 10th cranial nerve palsy was also noted. Imaging showed destructive lesions with inflammation. This case is being reported for its rarity and atypical presentation after an extensive search of the literature. K e y w o r d s : S k u l l b a s e , O s t e o m y l i t i s , immunocompromised