Primary tuberculous otomastoiditis complicated with Bezold’s, postauricular, and subdural abscesses: a case report and review of the literature

Primary tuberculous otomastoiditis is a rare condition. Mastoiditis is an infection of the mastoid part of the temporal bone that often happens as a complication of otitis media. The spread of infection from the middle ear and mastoid to adjacent structures might result in rare but serious complications. We present a case of an 8-year-old female with recurrent episodes of acute otitis media and foul-smelling yellowish discharge with hearing loss. Imaging revealed multiple abscesses. Intraoperatively, samples were taken from the abscesses and sent for complete analysis revealing a tuberculous infection. A diagnosis of primary Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) otomastoiditis was made using MTB polymerase chain reaction from the Bezold’s abscess. The patient was started on anti-MTB therapy. Follow-up imaging showed resolution of abscesses and otomastoiditis. An indolent course of otitis media along with poor response to conventional antibiotics regimen should raise the suspicion of rare and unusual infectious etiologies.