Effects of surgery and topical medication on eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis with otitis media and sinusitis: a case report

Abstract

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), also known as Churg–Strauss syndrome, is eosinophil-rich, necrotizing granulomatous inflammation often involving the respiratory tract. Furthermore, EGPA is necrotizing vasculitis that predominantly affects small to medium vessels and is associated with asthma and eosinophilia. Most patients with EGPA have sinusitis and some complain of hearing loss and refractory otitis media with effusion. Systemic use of immunosuppressants and glucocorticoids is currently recommended, despite the inevitable associated side effects. However, systemic treatment is not always effective for nasal and ear symptoms. We report a case of EGPA with refractory otitis media and chronic sinusitis, which were resistant to systemic high-dose steroids and immunosuppressants. However, these symptoms responded well to functional endoscopic sinus surgery and myringotomy and grommet insertion. We also administered budesonide nasal irrigation and glucocorticoid injection by intratympanic and postaural methods in this patient. The therapeutic effect was satisfactory.