[Tuberculous otomastoiditis presenting as hydrotympanum: one case report]

Summary To study the clinical features, diagnosis and treatments of tuberculous otomastoiditis. One case is reported and literatures are reviewed. In this report, the specimen of the middle ear revealed the presence of acid fast bacilli（AFB）, grew mycobacterium tuberculosis on a culture. Lung CT scans demonstrated tuberculosis. After anti-tuberculosis therapy, the symptoms disappeared and did not recur in 3 years. Hydrotympanum can be the early symptom of tuberculous otomastoiditis. When persistent otorrhea can not be improved by conventional therapy, tuberculous otomastoiditis should be considered as one of the differential diagnosis.