Unilateral tuberculous otitis media

Abstract

Tuberculous otitis media (TBOM) is an extremely rare clinical condition worldwide. This may pose a diagnostic 
challenge even to the most astute and experienced otolaryngologist due to a low index of suspicion; however 
clinician should be aware of the possibility of tuberculosis (T.B) in patients with unusual aggressive presentation of 
otitis media with complications such as facial nerve paralysis, rapidly progressive hearing loss and multiple tympanic 
membrane perforations with scanty hell paje colored ear discharge. The objective of this case report is to raise the 
awareness of TBOM as a possible differential diagnosis in a patient with chronic otitis media. This is the first case of 
TBOM being reported from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.