Tuberculous otitis media in children: Series of 4 cases

Four cases of tuberculous otitis media in children are reported. One case presented with a postaural fistula, another case with signs of meningeal irritation and ear discharge and two cases as chronic otitis media refractory to conventional treatment. All patients underwent modified radical mastoidectomy and the diagnosis was made postoperativelyby histopathology in three cases and Ziehl-Neelson stainig of the discharge from the mastoid cavity in one. Clinical presentation and management of the cases are discussed. Tuberculosis should be considered in the diagnosis of children with chronic otitis media not responding to conventional antibiotic treatment.Targeted chemotherapy along with surgery provides rapid and complete healing.