A Case of Atypical Skull Base Osteomyelitis Secondary to Otitis Media Due to Delayed Diagnosis.

ABSTRACT: Skull base osteomyelitis that is secondary to otitis media is extremely rare in the modern antibiotic era. The authors present an 84-year-old male with atypical skull base osteomyelitis that developed from otitis media during the COVID-19 pandemic due to delayed diagnosis and partial treatment which is blamed for development of skull base osteomyelitis. The atypical presentations of skull base osteomyelitis pose a diagnostic challenge. This case highlights that even otitis media is a potentially fatal infection in older patients with diabetes. Early diagnosis and aggressive management of skull base osteomyelitis are of upmost importance and will ensure a more favorable prognosis.