Which sign is commonly associated with malignant otitis externa?

Malignant otitis externa is a severe and often life-threatening complication of external ear infections, most frequently seen in diabetic patients or immunocompromised individuals. The presence of foul-smelling ear discharge is a hallmark sign of this condition, as the infection typically involves Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can produce a characteristic odor and often causes extensive tissue damage.

Swelling in the face, while potentially associated with the spread of infection in more advanced cases, is not the most distinctly recognizable sign. In contrast, the foul-smelling discharge is a direct result of the necrotizing process occurring in the external auditory canal and surrounding tissues and is seen as a definitive indicator of the condition. Recognizing this discharge can lead to timely and appropriate management of the infection, which is crucial for patient outcomes.

Overall, the foul-smelling ear discharge stands as a critical clinical marker for the diagnosis of malignant otitis externa, drawing attention away from other signs that may not directly relate to this specific condition.