[Tuberculosis of ear and cutis]

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Pulmonology
• Dermatology

Background:

• A 26-year-old female presented with a year-long history of deafness, purulent otitis, cough, and skin lesions.
• Initial otolaryngological treatment did not include sputum examination or chest X-ray.

Observation:

• Hospitalization revealed a cavitary lesion in the left lung on chest X-ray.
• Tuberculous bacilli were identified in both sputum and ear discharge.
• A positive tuberculin test confirmed latent or active tuberculosis.

Findings:

• The patient was diagnosed with disseminated tuberculosis affecting the lungs, skin, and potentially the ear (cor).
• This case highlights a rare presentation of tuberculosis with multiple organ involvement.

Implications:

• Early and comprehensive diagnostic evaluation is crucial for complex presentations of tuberculosis.
• This case underscores the importance of considering tuberculosis in patients with persistent, unexplained symptoms and lesions across different organ systems.
• Further research into atypical tuberculosis presentations can improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.