A case of primary diphtheria of the outer ear. Veits (Ztschtr. f. Hals-Nas. und Ohrhl., Bd. 16, H. 1)

Abstract

The author notes that diphtheria, especially primary diphtheria of the outer ear, is extremely rare. The usual way of spreading the infection should be considered the pharynx, the Eustachian tube, the middle ear, and finally the outer ear. Therefore, all cases of supposedly primary diphtheria with perforation of the tympanic membrane and former, existing or subsequent otitis media should be considered doubtful.