Korean J Otolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2004 Jan;47(1):83-86.

A Case of Primary Tuberculous Otitis Media Complicated by Defect of External Auditory Canal Skin

• Song MS
• Ahn SK
• Jeon SY
• Kim JP

Abstract

Tuberculous otitis media is a rare cause of chronic suppurative infection of the middle ear and mastoid. In the past, painless watery discharge and multiple perforation of tympanic membrane were considered as classical symptoms and signs but recently, these clinical features have changed. And also, tuberculous otitis media can be difficult to diagnose due to confusion with other acute or chronic middle ear conditions. Moreover, a delayed diagnosis can lead to complications such as sensorineural hearing loss, facial nerve paralysis, and intracranial dissemination, etc. We experienced a case of tuberculous otitis media complicated by defect of external auditory canal skin and facial nerve paralysis. The diagnosis was missed until after surgery. So we report this case with a review of related literature.

Keyword

Tuberculosis; Otitis media; Ear canal

MeSH Terms

Delayed Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Ear Canal*
Ear, Middle
Facial Nerve
Hearing Loss, Sensorineural
Mastoid
Otitis Media*
Otitis*
Paralysis
Skin*
Tuberculosis
Tympanic Membrane