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Published in: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology 10/2009

Open Access 01-10-2009 | Case Report

Aspergillus mastoiditis, presenting with unexplained progressive otalgia, in an immunocompetent (older) patient

Authors: Aukje van Tol, Jeroen van Rijswijk

Published in: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology | Issue 10/2009

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Abstract

Aspergillus mastoidits and skull-base osteomyelitis are extremely rare, even in immunocompromised patients. We report a case of an 81-year-old immunocompetent man, who underwent a mastoidectomy because of unexplained, progressive otalgia in spite of a noninflamed and air-containing middle-ear space. Histopathology yielded Aspergillus fumigatus. When confronted with otitis with an unexpected clinical course a high index of suspicion is required to facilitate early diagnosis and appropriate therapy of a potential lethal Aspergillus infection, even in immunocompetent patients. This seems to be more so in older patients with an open middle-ear cavity and/or when there is facial nerve involvement.
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Metadata
Title
Aspergillus mastoiditis, presenting with unexplained progressive otalgia, in an immunocompetent (older) patient
Authors
Aukje van Tol
Jeroen van Rijswijk
Publication date
01-10-2009
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology / Issue 10/2009
Print ISSN: 0937-4477
Electronic ISSN: 1434-4726
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-008-0877-4

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