Chronic Otorrhea Caused by Myospherulosis in the Middle Ear after Tympanoplasty

Abstract

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.