Otitis media due to blastomycosis: report of two cases

Abstract

Blastomycosis as a causative agent in cases of otitis media has not previously been reported. Two patients recently presented with otitis media and head and neck masses due to Blastomyces dermatitidis. Initial evaluation suggested neoplastic disease, but biopsy confirmed a fungal etiology for the masses in both patients. Relapse after administration of ketoconazole was noted in one patient, who was an adult; the other patient was a child. Otitis media and masses of the head and neck are unusual features of blastomycosis. Blastomycosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis for patients with such mass lesions and for patients with otitis media.