난치성 이루를 동반한 만성 호산구성 중이염 1예

Eosinophilic otitis media (EOM) is a newly recognized intractable middle ear disease, characterised by the accumulation of eosinophils in middle ear effusion and middle ear mucosa. Since EOM patients show gradual or sudden deterioration of hearing, it is important to properly diagnose EOM and to start adequate treatment for EOM. We experienced a case of EOM, so discuss the clinical features, pathogenesis, and management of EOM. EOM is often complicated by rhinosinusitis (eosinophilic sinusitis). High-tone loss is more frequently found and more severe in EOM patients than in chronic otitis media control patients, and EOM patients sometimes become deaf suddenly. Systemic or topical steroid administration is the most effective treatment for patients with EOM. The instillation of prednisolone, a suspension of steroids, into the middle ear is very effective for controlling eosinophilic inflammation in our case. It is very important to explain to patients with EOM that the disease may last for a long period and that progressive and sudden hearing loss may occur. (J Clinical Otolaryngol 2011;22:215–218)