Article
Tympanolith in the Middle ear cavity
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Authors
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Dinesh Kumar Rajendran
- PD Hinduja Sindhi Charitable Hospital, Bangalore, India
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Ahilasamy Nagalingeswaran
- Ahilasamy ENT Centre, Chennai, India
| Published: | April 26, 2017 |
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Outline
Abstract
Introduction: Tympanolith are calcified bodies within the middle ear cavity. The origin of the nidus of calcification may be extrinsic (foreign body) or intrinsic (stagnant mucus and inspissated purulent dried discharge). Tympanolith are small and asymptomatic. Larger ones may present with symptoms of ear discharge, hard of hearing.
Case Report: 70 year-old male, diabetic with painless, non-foul smelling, chronically discharging right ear since 20 years with hard of hearing. There was no prior history of foreign body insertion or hearing aid usage. Routine investigations were within normal limits, pure tone audiometry findings were suggestive of profound hearing loss in the affected right ear.
Otoendoscopy suggestive of tympanolith which was retrieved successfully en masse with an angled probe from middle ear cavity. Moderate size Central perforation of the tympanic membrane with an edematous middle ear mucosa noted
Discussion: Tympanolith, a rare condition which is known to occur in long standing Chronic suppurative otitis media with central perforation similar to sinolith. Tympanolith are hard, gritty, smooth surface this case is presented for its rarity.
Conclusion: Tympanolith should also be considered as differential diagnosis in chronically discharging ears.
Keywords: Tympanolith, Middle ear cavity.
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