Sarcoidosis of the middle ear. A case report.

Background: Sarcoidosis is a common granulomatous systemic inflammatory disease mainly affecting the interstitial lung tissue and perihilar lymph nodes. Since its first description by Bernier 1889 its etiology has remained obscure. Method: Sarcoidosis of the right middle ear in a 38-year-old woman was diagnosed by biopsy, Result: After mastoidectomy and treatment with prednisolone the patient has been free of relapse for two years. Conclusion: According to our knowledge this is the second reported case of sarcoidosis of the middle ear. In both cases the interstitial lung tissue has been involved as well. This finding increases the importance of excluding sarcoidosis in differential diagnosis of chronic otitis media.