The Etiology and Clinical Course of Bullous Myringitis

BULLOUS myringitis is a common condition characterized by vesicular eruptions of the tympanic membrane. In the majority of cases the condition is self-limited, although serious complications have been reported.¹⁻³The disease is primarily one of childhood, but is frequently seen in adults. Bullous myringitis is generally thought to be of viral origin, although several investigations have failed to establish this.²,⁴,⁵Recent studies suggest a relationship to influenza virus⁶and the Eaton agent,⁷⁻⁹a pleuropneumonia-like organism (Mycoplasma pneumoniae) known to be capable of producing primary atypical pneumonia. It is the purpose of this report to consider these and other possible causative agents in a prospective study of 23 cases of bullous myringitis. Historical Review A detailed review of the subject can be found in a previous publication.³In brief, the symptom complex was apparently first recognized during the pandemics at the turn of the century.¹⁰