Chronic otitis media and facial paralysis as a presenting feature of Wegener's granulomatosis

Shiva Prasad BN, Balasubramanian R
Correspondence: Dr Shiva Prasad BN, drshivaravi@yahoo.co.in

ABSTRACT
Upper airway disease, especially nasal and paranasal sinus involvement, is the most common manifestation of Wegener’s granulomatosis. Chronic otitis media and facial palsy are rare but well known presenting features of Wegener’s granulomatosis. We report a 40-year-old woman who presented with complaints of ear discharge, deep-seated ear pain and loss of hearing in her right ear. Early diagnosis demands heightened suspicion in a patient with otological symptoms and facial paralysis.

Keywords: chronic otitis media, facial nerve palsy, hearing loss, Wegener’s granulomatosis
Singapore Med J 2009; 50(4): e155-e157