Tophaceous Gout of the Middle Ear

Abstract

Tophaceous gout can rarely present in the middle ear as a mass-like lesion, causing conductive hearing loss. Noncontrast high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the temporal bone plays a significant role in the diagnosis. Awareness of this condition among radiologists is important since it presents a distinctive appearance on HRCT. We present a case of tophaceous gout of the middle ear diagnosed with photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT). Teaching point: The presence of a partially calcified mass with a semolina-like appearance within the middle ear is highly suggestive of tophaceous gout, even in the presence of normal serum uric acid levels.

Keywords

• gout
• middle ear
• tomography
• ear ossicles
• conductive hearing loss