결핵성 중이염 1예: 오랜 질병의 재발견

A case of tuberculous otitis media: An old disease revisited

Tuberculous otitis media is a chronic granulomatous disease of the middle ear as well as temporal bone and a rare form of tuberculosis. Diagnosis is difficult due to its unspecific clinical features and a lack of reliable diagnostic tests including microbiological and histopathological examinations. Unfortunately, demonstration of microbiological positivity has been the exception rather than the rule. The polymerase chain reaction test has been recommended as the standard for suspected tuberculous otitis media. In our country, the “National Tuberculosis Elimination Project” has been reduced the numbers of newly-diagnosed tuberculosis since 2010. We recently experienced a case of tuberculous otitis media in young female. Despite the diagnosis was suspected early, it was not confirmed because tuberculosis studies of otorrhea were negative. The objective of this article is to make an awareness of tuberculous otitis media, to present the suggestion for its early diagnosis, and review its diagnostic criteria and treatment.