Tympanic membrane perforation, otitis media and labyrinthitis caused by otomycosis confirmed by intravenous gadolinium 1.5 tesla MRI-a case report

Abstract

Otomycosis is a fungal ear infection, mostly a superficial mycotic infection of the outer ear canal. The infection may be either subacute or acute but chronic form is around 10%. The characteristic of otomycosis are discharge, pruritus, or more severe discomfort. Here we report a 46-year-old Asian woman presented with vertigo and was diagnosed as otomycosis with the complications of tympanic membrane perforation, otitis media and labyrinthitis of inner ear which was confirmed by IV-Gd 1.5 T MRI. This case is a chronic otomycosis related to cerumen removal two year before this onset. Our study supported the suggestion that otomycosis should include fungal infections of the middle and inner ear, furthermore the infection of the inner ear may be included as labyrinthitis with the symptom of vertigo.