[Tuberculous otitis media, mastoiditis associated with meningitis: report of one case]

Tuberculosis of the middle ear is rare; associated meningitis is even more unusual. This report contains our experience with a one and a half year old psychomotor retarded boy. He had a poor healing left postauricular abscess four months prior to admission. Also noted was postprandial vomiting and left sided involuntary movement. On admission spinal tapping was done. Results showed leukocytosis, with lymphocytes being predominant, as well as high protein and low glucose levels. A cranial CT revealed left mastoiditis, hydrocephalus, basal cistern abnormal enhancement and a prominent posterior fossa postcerebellar CSF space. Left radical mastoidectomy was performed. A biopsy showed caseous necrosis surrounded by epitheloid and Langhan's giant cells. He also received a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. The gastric and CSF were both positive for tuberculous culture.