Tympanic membrane breakdown after intratympanic injection of steroids in irradiated ears.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a rare complication of intratympanic injection of steroids in susceptible ears.

PATIENTS: We present two patients with a history of irradiation involving the injected ear.

INTERVENTION: Therapeutic.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Tympanic membrane condition after intratympanic injection of steroids.

RESULTS

Total or near-total breakdown of the irradiated tympanic membrane.

CONCLUSION

Tympanic membranes with an impaired wound-healing ability, together with exposure to intratympanic steroids, may be at risk for total or near-total breakdown.