Valsalva CT consistently allows visualization of the lumen of the distal one-third of the eustachian tube in a majority of patients with no eustachian tube-related complaints. This technique might be helpful in localizing eustachian tube pathology in patients with obstructive tube symptoms.
A total of 21 chronic ear procedures were performed; visualization of the protympanic segment was feasible in 12 ears, obstruction was identified in 7 ears, and dilatation was undertaken. Immediate assessment showed increased aperture of the tube in all patients when compared with predilatation findings.
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