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Facial paralysis caused by tuberculosis in a 2.5-month-old infant
Embiya Dilber1, Nilgün Yariş, Yakup Aslan
1Department of Pediatrics, Medical Faculty, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey. embiyadilber@yahoo.com
Insights
Tuberculosis can present subtly in infants as a cervical mass and ear discharge unresponsive to antibiotics. Early recognition of persistent symptoms is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment of this serious infection.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Otolaryngology
- Mycobacterial Infections
Background:
- Cervical masses and ear discharge are common pediatric presentations.
- Broad-spectrum antibiotics are typically the first line of treatment for bacterial infections.
Observation:
- An infant presented with a cervical mass and persistent ear discharge.
- Symptoms did not improve with conventional antibiotic therapy.
Findings:
- The infant developed respiratory distress, leading to the diagnosis of tuberculous infection.
- Persistent otorrhoea and facial paralysis in children can indicate tuberculosis.
Implications:
- Physicians should consider tuberculosis in infants with refractory ear discharge or cervical masses.
- Timely diagnosis of pediatric tuberculosis is essential to prevent severe complications like respiratory distress.
Abstract:
We describe an infant who presented with a cervical mass and ear discharge that did not respond to broad-spectrum antibiotics. Tuberculous infection was diagnosed after the onset of respiratory distress. Persistent otorrhoea that does not respond to conventional antibiotics or facial paralysis in a child with a discharging ear should alert the physician to a diagnosis of tuberculosis.