Skull base osteomyelitis: A radiologic perspective

Abstract

Skull base osteomyelitis (SBO) is a rare and very critical infection that affects the bones at the base of the skull. It is divided as typical (otogenic) arising from infection of temporal bone, while sino-nasal or non-otogenic originate from sinus infection. It is a severe disease associated with significant morbidity and high mortality, making early diagnosis and appropriate treatment essential. This study delves into the clinical, lab and radiological features of SBO, with a special focus on the role of imaging in diagnosis and recognition of complications associated with the disease. Over the past decade, we analyzed data covering the sources of infection, areas commonly affected, clinical signs and symptoms, cranial nerve involvement, and complications associated with skull base osteomyelitis. Additionally, we looked at clinical parameters in diagnosed cases, the antibiotics prescribed, and any surgeries performed.