Keywords: malignant otitis externa, desnutrition, iminunodeficiency

Abstract: Malignant otitis externa is a necrotizing infection of the external ear canal which occurs in immunodeficients patients. The patient, W.L.S., was a 11 months old children who was diagnosed with desnutrition; pneumonia and a right otitis externa at his admission to the "Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro". Treatment was initiated with oxacilin and ceftriaxone (IV) during six days. The pulmonary infection had a good response but the patient evolved with a extensive necrotic area in the right external ear canal. Then, the lesion was debridement and the children received ceftaxidine (IV) instead with a nutricional support during six weeks. Finally, he become healthy. It is important to pay attention that this kind of infection may occur in immunodeficients childrens and a specific treatment should be install precociously or it could be fatal.