Tuberculous Otitis Media: Two Case Reports and Literature Review

Abstract

Tuberculous otitis media can be difficult to diagnose because it can easily be conf used with other acute or chronic middle ear conditions. Compounding this problem is the f act that physicians are generally unfamiliar with the typical fea tures of tuberculous otitis media. Finally, the final diagnosis can be difficult because it requires special culture and pathologic studies. To increase awareness ofthis condition, we describe two cases of tuberculous otitis media and we review the literature.

Tuberculous Otitis Media with Facial Paralysis Combined with Labyrinthitis

“…TOM was first reported in 1853, and the organism was first identified in ear discharge in 1883 3,4). TOM is a very infrequent cause of COM, and is rarely considered in differential diagnosis 1,5).…”

“…Facial paralysis may be present in 15-40% of TOM cases, more frequently in children 3,8). TOM should be suspected when a patient with COM presents with facial nerve paralysis.…”

Tuberculous Otitis in Infants

“…Paradoxically, although tuberculous otitis media has been considered a disease of younger children (4,37,43,44), pediatric temporal bone reports are even less common. Paradoxically, although tuberculous otitis media has been considered a disease of younger children (4,37,43,44), pediatric temporal bone reports are even less common.…”

My Ear Hurts: Otitis Media in the Oncology Setting

“…In addition to a thorough otologic examination, the cranial nerves should be assessed. The nose, sinuses, oral cavity and pharynx, and neck also should be examined carefully to rule out differential diagnoses such as myringitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, temporomandibular joint syndrome, mastoiditis, foreign body, dental abscess, furuncle, tumor, trauma, cholesteatoma (Mercy, 2000), GERD (Poelmans, Tack, & Feenstra, 2002), or tuberculous OM (Awan & Salahuddin, 2002).…”