Cholesterol granuloma of the tympanic membrane presenting as a blue eardrum.

Abstract

Intramembranous tympanic membrane cholesterol granuloma (CG) occurs infrequently. Here, the authors report a case of CG in the tympanic membrane presenting as a blue eardrum in the right ear. In addition, a pinhole perforation noted in the anterosuperior area revealed a brown discharge. High-resolution temporal bone CT showed a bulging mass shadow in the middle ear and a soft tissue dense lesion that filled both the epitympanum and mastoid cavity. Tympanomastoidectomy was performed under general anesthesia. New bone formation was confirmed in the mastoid antrum and epitympanum, and the epitympanum was blocked by new bone. The tympanic membrane revealed a round, brownish mass with a glistening surface and a severely thickened pars tensa. We herein report this case and review pertinent medical literature.

• Authors: Chul Ho Jang, Jun Sung Kim, Yong Bum Cho
• Journal: Yonsei medical journal (Yonsei Med J) Vol. 50 Issue 4 Pg. 585-7 (Aug 31 2009) ISSN: 1976-2437 [Electronic] Korea (South)
• PMID: 19718411 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Cholesterol

Topics

• Adult
• Cholesterol (metabolism)
• Granuloma, Foreign-Body (diagnosis, diagnostic imaging)
• Humans
• Male
• Radiography
• Tympanic Membrane (diagnostic imaging, pathology)