Temporomandibular joint fistula into the external ear canal.
BACKGROUND
Temporomandibular joint fistula into the external auditory canal is a very rare condition. We report a case of spontaneous fistula which presented with repeated episodes of clear fluid otorrhoea and ear infection.


METHODS
A 53-year-old woman complained of occasional episodes of clear fluid otorrhoea from the right ear followed by infection. Otoscopic examination showed a normal tympanic membrane and normal skin in the external auditory meatus. Otomicroscopy showed a small punctum on the anteroinferior part of the meatus. Computed tomography identified a foramen of Huschke. Surgery revealed a fistula between the meatus and the temporomandibular joint, which was successfully resolved.


CONCLUSIONS
This report presents a rare case of a fistula between the temporomandibular joint and the external auditory meatus, associated with Huschke's foramen. Such a defect can be quite difficult to detect. It should be suspected in cases of chronic otorrhoea when neither middle nor external ear disease is apparent. Surgery is usually successful, and is advised in cases with repeated complications.
Department of ENT Head and Neck Surgery, Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia. jakov.ajduk@gmail.com
J
J
Ajduk
M
M
Ries
D
D
Vagic
A
A
Batos-Tripalo
D004424:Ear Canal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D004427:Ear Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005402:Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed