Optimizing Necrotizing Otitis Externa Management: The Role of PET-CT in Antibiotic Stewardship

PET-CT effectively guided treatment cessation, reducing antibiotic exposure without compromising clinical outcomes. A higher-dose, shorter-duration ciprofloxacin regimen did not increase relapse rates, suggesting that a more intensive yet time-limited antimicrobial approach can be safely implemented. These findings support PET-CT as a valuable tool in NOE/SBO management, reinforcing its role in optimizing antibiotic stewardship.