Chronic otorrhea caused by myospherulosis in the middle ear after tympanoplasty.

OBJECTIVES

Myospherulosis is a foreign body reaction induced by the application of oil-based ointments. Myospherulosis in the ear is extremely rare. Only 4 cases have been described, all of which occurred after (repeated) mastoid surgery.

METHODS

We present a case of persistent otorrhea and conductive hearing loss caused by myospherulosis in the middle ear following tympanoplasty.

RESULTS

The patient underwent revision middle ear surgery with removal of abnormally thick, pale tissue in the middle ear. Histology showed a foreign body reaction with signs of myospherulosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Myospherulosis is a very rare complication of the use of oil-based ointments. Surgeons should be aware that these products might cause a foreign body reaction leading to myospherulosis. In patients who have chronic otorrhea after previous mastoid or middle ear surgery, myospherulosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis.