Case Reports in Infectious Diseases (Jan 2011)

Tuberculous Otitis Media with Facial Paralysis: A Clinical and Microbiological Diagnosis—A Case Report

  • Nicola Quaranta,
  • Paolo Petrone,
  • Alexandra Michailidou,
  • Luisa Miragliotta,
  • Marilina Santantonio,
  • Raffaele Del Prete,
  • Adriana Mosca,
  • Giuseppe Miragliotta

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1155/2011/932608
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 2011

Abstract

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The tuberculosis of the ear is rare, and in most cases the clinical picture resembles that of a chronic otitis media. The diagnosis is often delayed, and this can lead to irreversible complications such as hearing loss and/or facial paralysis. In view of its rare occurrence, we report a case of primary tuberculous otitis media in a 87-year-old female patient. The diagnosis was made on the basis of both histological and microbiological findings. In particular, gene amplification techniques such as real-time polymerase chain reaction are useful method for rapid diagnosis and detecting tuberculous bacilli usually present at very low number. Early diagnosis is essential for the prompt institution of antituberculous therapy.