Tympanic membrane breakdown after intratympanic injection of steroids in irradiated ears

OBJECTIVE: To describe a rare complication of intratympanic injection of steroids in susceptible ears. PATIENTS: We present two patients with a history of irradiation involving the injected ear. INTERVENTION: Therapeutic. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Tympanic membrane condition after intratympanic injection of steroids. RESULTS: Total or near-total breakdown of the irradiated tympanic membrane. CONCLUSION: Tympanic membranes with an impaired wound-healing ability, together with exposure to intratympanic steroids, may be at risk for total or near-total breakdown.