Article Sections

Introduction

Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is a longstanding infection of the middle ear characterized by otorrhea (ear discharge) through a perforated tympanic membrane lasting at least 6 weeks.  It most commonly affects young children (age <5) and is a leading cause of preventable hearing loss in resource-limited countries.  CSOM often arises as a complication of inadequately treated acute otitis media or chronic eustachian tube dysfunction.

Pathogenesis

Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) often develops as a result of recurrent or inadequately treated acute otitis media combined with underlying eustachian tube dysfunction, both of which increase the risk for tympanic membrane perforation.  Tympanic membrane perforation provides a pathway for polymicrobial bacterial invasion from the external auditory canal.  Therefore, the most commonly isolated pathogens are Pseudomonas aeruginosa

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