Tubercular Otitis Externa in an Elderly Male- A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Otolaryngology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global health concern, prevalent in developing nations.
• TB presents with diverse clinical manifestations, ranging from pulmonary to rare extra-pulmonary sites.
• Tubercular otitis externa is an exceptionally infrequent clinical presentation of TB.

Observation:

• A case study of an immunocompetent elderly male with persistent otorrhea and otalgia.
• Clinical examination revealed pale granulation tissue in the ear canal.
• Biopsy confirmed tuberculosis, and sputum culture identified Mycobacterium tuberculosis, indicating disseminated disease.

Findings:

• Diagnosis of tubercular otitis externa was confirmed via ear canal biopsy.
• Disseminated tuberculosis was identified through positive sputum cultures.
• The patient experienced symptom resolution following antitubercular therapy (ATT).

Implications:

• Highlights the possibility of tuberculosis in rare locations like the external auditory canal, especially in high-burden regions.
• Suggests considering tuberculosis in cases of chronic ear discharge unresponsive to standard antibiotic treatments.
• Emphasizes the importance of clinical suspicion for TB in atypical presentations.