Skull Base Osteomyelitis Historical Perspective, Diagnosis and Management Update

SBO is a life-threatening disease that requires a high index of suspicion based on these patients complex underlying medical co-morbidities and clinician's acumen. Once a diagnosis is made, is it critical to communicate and work closely with other multidisciplinary teams (neuroradiology for appropriate choice of imaging study and interpretation; infectious disease for appropriate medical treatment and duration; internist to properly manage their underlying medical co-morbidities). Though this dis-ease has been around for centuries with many different names, SBO is a chronic bone infection with high morbidity and mortality. Despite advances in imaging, the diagnosis is first made based on clinical judgment, appropriate culture, and tissue biopsy. Appropriate duration of medical treatment is crucial to avoid incomplete treatment that result in relapse and complications.