A Case of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media with Facial Nerve Palsy due to Aspergillus Infection / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

Chronic otitis media of fungal origin and its complications like facial palsy are highly unusual. Although human exposure to Aspergillus is common, infections are infrequent. Aspergillus infections of the ear are usually limited to superficial growth on cerumen or moist debris. The main risk factor for fungal infection of middle ear is being in an immunocompromised state, which may be caused by malignant neoplasms, immunosuppressive therapy, poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, blood dyscrasia, or protein-energy malnutrition. Aggressive surgical debridement is required in fungal infections with facial palsy, and the prognosis is better with early treatment. Facial palsy caused by fungal infection showed poor improvement in most of the reported cases. Early diagnosis, surgical resection and antifungal therapy with control of underlying immunologic conditions and maintenance of antifungal therapy are required for best results. Fungal otitis media with facial nerve palsy has not yet been reported in Korea. We report a case of fungal otitis media with facial palsy in an immune-compromised woman who improved with mastoid process resection and facial nerve decompression.