A Case of Eosinophilic Granuloma of the Temporal Bone

Abstract

Eosinophilic granuloma is a benign lytic lesion of bone, probably arising from an abnormal proliferation of histeocytes. A 10-year-old boy with eosinophilic granuloma of the left temporal bone is reported. An aural polyp was found along the posterior bony canal wall. The temporal lesion produced a characteristic “punchedout” radiolucent defect without surrounding sclerosis. These two characteristics are strongly suggestive of eosinophilic granuloma and allow early differentiation from cholesteatoma, acute mastoiditis and external otitis.