[Implantation of a cardiac pacemaker in the octogenarian]. / Implantation de stimulateur cardiaque chez l'octogénaire.

Thirteen centres, specialized in pacemakers and studying the implantation, brought together their material. Consequently, 785 patients living with a pacemaker (PM) were grouped. The average age at the time of the first implantation is 83,5 years old. The mortality of 7.5% as well as the morbidity of 16% lie very low. Nevertheless, their causes are discussed and compared to those resulting from other types of surgical pathologies on the octogenarian. It seems that the implantation of a PM, even on a person of 80 or older, is an efficient therapeutic gesture, benign and capable of normalizing the chances and quality of life on a long term basis.

[Malignant otitis externa]. / Otite externe maligne.

Malignant external otitis is a progressive Pseudomonas infection starting in the external auditory canal. It tends to occur in the elderly diabetic patient and to invade cartilage, bone, nerves and adjacent soft tissues. Aggressive medical management and surgical debridement is curative in most cases as it appears in the case reported in the following communication.