Primary Sarcoidosis of the Temporal Bone a Clinical Pathologic Correlation

Abstract

Objective: This report describes a case of sarcoidosis that presented as a lytic bone lesion in the squamous part of the temporal bone. Patients: A 64-year-old woman presented with right-sided aural fullness, pulsatile tinnitus, and intermittent otalgia. Interventions: CT and MRI were performed without contrast and suggested an osseodestructive, lytic bone lesion. An excisional biopsy was performed, showing granulomatous infiltration suggestive of osseous sarcoidosis. Main Outcome Measures: Removal of mass and resolution of symptoms. Results: Initial findings from patient imaging suggested a lytic bone lesion. An excisional biopsy was required for diagnosis and was performed with little patient morbidity. Biopsy findings showed granulomatous infiltration suggestive of osseous sarcoidosis. Osseous involvement of sarcoidosis is a rare manifestation and typically occurs secondary to other disease manifestations. After the removal of the mass and a short unrelated course of steroids, the patient’s symptoms resolved. Conclusions: Sarcoidosis should be added to the differential diagnosis of lytic bone lesions in the temporal bone.