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Syphilitic otitis media
Last reviewed: 17.10.2021
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The defeat of the ear with syphilis, or syphilitic otitis can be observed at all stages of this venereal disease.
Symptoms of syphilitic otitis
Primary syphilis manifested by chancre is very rare and occurs as a result of accidental infection of the auricle or external auditory canal with skin damage or with a kiss. Primary chancre, as a rule, is accompanied by regional specific lymphadenitis, a feature of which is the painlessness of enlarged and pastous lymph nodes.
Secondary syphilis of the auricle and periauricular area is manifested by syphilitic papules, and in the external auditory canal - by syphilitic condylomas. In the middle ear, this stage of the disease is manifested by subacute catarrhal otitis, which is no different from banal otitis. Diagnosis is established only on the basis of the ineffectiveness of the use of conventional remedies. The region of the mastoid process is involved in a process characterized by periostitis and regional lymphadenitis, with a normal otoscopic pattern and a hearing function that is not broken. The final diagnosis at this stage is established with the help of serodiagnostics. At this stage, the internal ear and auditory nerve can be affected.
Tertiary syphilis can be manifested by a gummy process in both the outer and the middle ear and the mastoid process. A characteristic feature of emerging tumoral formations is their painlessness and the absence in the anamnesis of any trauma. At this stage, there are also signs of damage to the inner ear. Trial antisyphilitic treatment for syphilitic infection causes the Herxheimer reaction, caused by death of spirochetes and secretion of endotoxin, affecting the inner ear receptors (total deafness and deactivation of the vestibular apparatus).
Congenital syphilis of the ear is observed in 20% of cases of this type of syphilis. At an early age, there are dysgenes of SD and NSP, as well as bilateral deafness leading to surdutism. In adulthood, congenital syphilis of the ear can be manifested by syphilitic neuronalabiirititis.
Where does it hurt?
Fusospiritillary otitis media
Fusospirillous otitis media is a type of necrotizing otitis. Its pathogens are spindle-shaped rod and spirochete. The onset of the disease is imperceptible, the clinical course is persistent with frequent recurrences and devastating consequences.
Purulent discharge is putrid, malodorous, with an admixture of blood. Absorption of products of putrefactive decay, their penetration through the windows of the labyrinth leads to early sensorineural hearing loss, the destruction of the sound-conducting system leads to conductive hearing loss.
Treatment is long. Apply drugs of arsenic, iodine, etc.
What do need to examine?
How to examine?
What tests are needed?
Treatment of syphilitic otitis media
Treatment of syphilitic otitis is common in syphilitic infection.