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Patent foramen of Huschke causing persistent otorrhoea
1Otorhinolaryngology, Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, Huddersfield, England, UK Alveena.farid@cht.nhs.uk.
BMJ Case Reports
|May 22, 2026
Summary
Patent foramen of Huschke, a rare cause of ear discharge, can be diagnosed by observing canal changes during jaw movement. Surgical repair (canaloplasty) successfully treated a patient with this condition, resolving otorrhoea.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Anatomy
- Surgical Case Report
Background:
- Patent foramen of Huschke is a rare anatomical anomaly.
- It can present with otological symptoms such as otorrhoea.
- Delayed diagnosis is common due to its rarity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of patent foramen of Huschke presenting with otorrhoea.
- To describe the diagnostic approach, including examination during jaw movement and temporal bone scan.
- To detail the surgical management and outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Clinical examination focusing on the external auditory canal during jaw movement.
- Temporal bone imaging (CT scan) to identify bony defects and associated lesions.
- Surgical intervention: left canaloplasty to repair the dehiscence and reconstruct the canal wall.
Main Results:
- A clear discharge emerging from the anterior canal wall with jaw movement was observed.
- A temporal bone scan confirmed a dehiscence in the anterior canal wall connecting to the temporomandibular joint.
- Surgical canaloplasty successfully reconstructed the defect and resolved the otorrhoea.
Conclusions:
- Patent foramen of Huschke should be considered in the differential diagnosis of persistent, unexplained otorrhoea.
- Examination of the ear canal during jaw movement is crucial for diagnosis.
- Surgical management, such as canaloplasty, can effectively treat this condition.
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