Tuberculous acute mastoiditis--a rare diagnosis. A case report.

Tuberculous acute mastoiditis (TAM) is a rare inflammatory infective condition of the mastoid process that can be difficult to diagnose. We presente the case of a 65-year-old women with earache, ear purulent discharge and tenderness of the mastoid tip after long time of medical therapy. Mastoidectomy with attico-antrotomy revealed chronic granulations with an osteitic process of mastoid and tympanic cavity with intact ossicular chain. Standard medical therapy resulted with prompt healing. Despite its rarity, diagnosis of TAM is often delayed, with potentially danger for severe complications.