A series of 13 ears of tuberculous otitis media (TOM) recently treated at our hospital is reviewed. Central or total perforations of the tympanic membrane were observed in most cases, but none of the patients was shown to have multiple perforations. Neither periotic lymphadenopathy nor facial nerve palsy was noted in any cases. Most patients consulted the hospital within 2 weeks of the development of symptoms. Diagnosis of TOM, however, required 1-3 months in most cases. Early diagnosis is important not to propagate the disease, but this study revealed the diagnostic dilemma. TOM has become quite rare with the advent of anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy. However, since 1990, the topic has gained new interest, because of the newly rising incidence and changing behavior of the disease. Since most physicians are unfamiliar with the typical presenting features, and the clinical picture of TOM has changed, the diagnosis of TOM is difficult and may be delayed for months or even years. In this study, a series of 12 patients (13 ears) with TOM is presented.
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