[Salivary gland choristoma in the middle ear]

A choristoma is a non-neoplastic proliferation of histologically normal tissue occurring at an abnormal site. The first known Danish case of a salivary gland choristoma in the middle ear is presented. This is a very rare condition of which only 20 cases have been reported. A 16-year-old male was referred to the ENT clinic with a 60-70 dB mixed hearing loss on the right ear. Exploratory tympanotomy showed a lobulated mass attached to the horizontal portion of the facial nerve, which had an abnormal course lateral to the stapes. The incus and stapes were abnormal with no continuity. Biopsy showed salivary gland choristoma. Complete excision was not attempted. Postoperatively the conductive hearing loss was for some reason reduced by 20 dB. The facial nerve function was normal.