Chronic Otorrhea Caused by Myospherulosis in the Middle Ear After Tympanoplasty

Objectives: Myospherulosis is a foreign body reaction induced by the application of oil-based ointments. Myospherulosis in the ear is extremely rare. Only 4 cases have been described, all of which occurred after (repeated) mastoid surgery. Methods: We present a case of persistent otorrhea and conductive hearing loss caused by myospherulosis in the middle ear following tympanoplasty. Results: The patient underwent revision middle ear surgery with removal of abnormally thick, pale tissue in the middle ear. Histology showed a foreign body reaction with signs of myospherulosis. Conclusions: Myospherulosis is a very rare complication of the use of oil-based ointments. Surgeons should be aware that these products might cause a foreign body reaction leading to myospherulosis. In patients who have chronic otorrhea after previous mastoid or middle ear surgery, myospherulosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis.