Tuberculous otitis media-diagnosis and treatment of four cases

Abstract

We present four cases of tuberculous otitis media that were diagnosed and treated at our clinic during a five-year period. Clinical manifestations, required additional diagnostic techiques, treatment, complications and diagnostic pitfalls of tuberculous otitis media are presented and discussed along with published literature. Because tuberculosis is such an uncommon cause of chronic infection in the middle ear and mastoid the index of suspicion is low and the diagnosis is quite difficult. In order to avoid delayed diagnosis and irreversible complications, it is always necessary to think about tuberculosis in cases that present with chronic painless otitis media, perforated tympanic membrane and facial nerve palsy.