Tuberculous Otitis Media with Facial Paralysis

Abstract

ABSTRACT Tuberculous otitis media (TOM) can be difficult to diagnose because of its rarity, variable signs and symptoms, and nonspecific manifestations compared with other types of chronic otitis media (COM). Half of the cases have no other evidence of present or past infection, and its diagnosis is often delayed due to the rarity of this disease or its usually indolent course. A middle-aged female came with complaints of left-sided progressive facial weakness, intermittent left ear discharge, evening rise of fever, and hearing loss for 8 months and with a history of chronic cough, loss of appetite, and weight loss for last 1 month. On physical examination, she had left-sided grade V facial paralysis as per House–Brackmann grading system. X-ray of the chest showed prominent hilar shadow with cavitary lesion. A temporal bone computed tomography (CT) scan revealed left-sided mastoiditis. Sputum was found to be positive for acid-fast bacillus. Granulations with cheesy material were present in the mastoid cavity, which were positive for acid-fast bacillus with epithelioid giant cells. During the surgery, dehiscence of the fallopian canal was located in the second genu. The patient responded to antitubercular treatment. How to cite this article Bhardwaj P, Mohan C, Srivastava A. Tuberculous Otitis Media with Facial Paralysis. Int J Adv Integ Med Sci 2016;1(2):69-71.