Tuberculous Otomastoiditis, an Uncommon Presentation of Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis in a Immunocompetant Child

Abstract

Tuberculosis is a major public health problem in our country with predominant involvement of lung and lymph nodes which. Tuberculous mastoiditis is quite rare and is often diagnosed late. Early diagnosis and effective treatment may prevent ear damage as well as central nervous system complication. In this report, we describe the case of a 15-month-old male with a history of fever and yellow discharge. CT scan of temporal bones showed fluid accumulation in mastoid cells and in the middle ear with destruction of the left mastoid cortex and partial ossicular erosion. It’s associated with a collection of soft parts opposite with peripheral enhancement after contrast application with left sigmoid sinus thrombosis. Necrotizing granulomatous inflammation was present in the mastoid specimens in all cases. Confirmatory diagnosis was made via GeneXpert polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The clinical outcome was favorable after anti-tuberculosis treatment.