Temporal bone infection caused by atypical mycobacterium: case report and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the clinical aspects and management of nontuberculous mycobacteriosis of the temporal bone.

STUDY DESIGN

Case report and review of the literature.

SETTING

University hospital, tertiary referral center.

PATIENT, INTERVENTION, AND RESULTS: The authors describe an uncommon case of nontuberculous mycobacteriosis of the temporal bone in an immunosuppressed 62-year-old woman with facial nerve paralysis caused by disease complication. The case was cured with radical tympanomastoidectomy and prolonged multiple antibiotic therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Nontuberculous mycobacteriosis should be suspected in immunosuppressed patients with intractable middle ear granulations. Cultural and histologic examinations are the mainstay for diagnosis. Long-standing multiantibiotic therapy together with aggressive surgery should be considered as appropriate management.