Case series of tuberculous otitis media: Spectrum of clinical presentation and outcome

Abstract

Objective: Tuberculous otitis media (TB OM) is a rare disease. We present here our experience of TB OM on its clinical presentation, investigation and treatment outcome.

Methods: A retrospective observational study was performed and clinical data of patients in whom TB OM was diagnosed at our center between 2008 and 2019 was analyzed.

Results: Five cases of TB OM were identified. Otorrhoea was the most consistent presenting chief complaint while one of the cases presented with right post-auricular swelling. All the cases were successfully treated with anti-tuberculous medication with outcome of dry middle ear but only one case achieved full recovery of hearing loss.

Conclusion: Due to the disparity of presentations in all our patients, we would like to emphasize the high index of suspicion of TB OM in acute or chronic cases of otitis media with unusual presentation or poor response to standard treatment.

Keywords: Middle ear; Otitis media; Oído medio; Tuberculosa; Tuberculous.