Bilateral tympanic myxoma: A CARE case report

Ear myxoma is a rare benign tumor sometimes located on the pinna and the external auditory meatus, associated with Carney Complex (CNC). However, tympanic membrane myxoma has never been described. We present here a case of bilateral tympanic membrane myxoma, following CARE guidelines.

A 35-year-old woman presented to our department with right otalgia. Otoscopy showed non-specific bilateral tissular masses in the posterior quadrant of the tympanic membranes, with normal hearing thresholds. CT-scan showed a tissular mass without osteolysis. Right-side resection confirmed the lesion as being a myxoma, ruling out differential diagnoses. The patient was then screened for extra-otologic lesions typically associated with ear myxoma in CNC. Only perilabial lesions similar to lentigos suggested CNC. Cardiac, endocrine and thyroid assessment were normal. Genetic testing for a PKRAR1A gene mutation was negative.

This is to our knowledge the first reported case of tympanic membrane myxoma. It is of particular interest, being bilateral and showing spontaneous involution of the left lesion over the years. Genetic screening was negative; nevertheless, thorough evaluation is essential due to the life-threatening nature of cardiac myxoma and the frequently associated malignant tumors. Potential new mutations associated with CNC should be considered in the future.