[Four cases of otitis media tuberculosa].

Otitis media is a rare involvement among extrapulmonary tuberculosis. We reported 4 cases of otitis media tuberculosa, and their mean age was 28.3 (ranging 20 to 37). Three of them were complicated with pulmonary tuberculosis. Since it takes several months to establish definite diagnosis, such cases could have high risk in spreading tuberculosis. Examinations of acid-fast bacilli by smear and culture, histopathological examinations and in particular polymerase chain reaction are most useful for the early diagnosis. Delay in the administration of antituberculosis drugs may cause the difficulty in hearing, and surgical treatment is needed in some cases.