Radiological dimensions of the Eustachian tube in patients with adhesive otitis media

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to analyse the computed tomography parameters for effective ventilation in patients with adhesive otitis media. Methods Twenty-six patients with unilateral adhesive otitis media were included in the study. The patients’ temporal bone computed tomography images were retrospectively reviewed. Eustachian tube length and diameter were measured. Mastoid pneumatisation and middle-ear size were evaluated by measuring petroclival and Eustachian tube–tympanic cavity ventilation angles. Results The average Eustachian tube length was 38.4 mm and 38.9 mm in adhesive otitis media and healthy ears, respectively. The Eustachian tube diameter of the adhesive otitis media ears (1.47 mm) was significantly narrower than that of the healthy ears (1.83 mm). There were no significant differences in the angles between adhesive otitis media and healthy ears. Conclusion A narrow Eustachian tube diameter was associated with developing adhesive otitis media. Measuring Eustachian tube diameter is simple and can be routinely performed when examining temporal bone computed tomography images for Eustachian tube function evaluation.

Clinical retrospective study on the efficacy and safety of endoscopic ear surgery for adhesive otitis media

“…Cartilage repair tympanoplasty combined with auditory tube balloon dilation is effective in the treatment of adhesive otitis media. However, there was no statistical difference with respect to the Eustachian Tube Scores (ETS), Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), nor Chronic Otitis Media Outcome Test-15 (COMOT-15) scores when compared with the cartilage repair tympanoplasty group alone (8,14).…”

“…Fibrosis and adhesions are common sequelae of otitis media, which can lead to malperfusion of the middle ear, negative pressure in the tympanic chamber, fluid accumulation in the middle ear, invagination of the tympanic membrane and adhesion to the tympanic capsule and anvil, proliferation and chemosis of the middle ear mucosa, granulation formation, and eventually adhesions. It is often complicated by middle ear diseases, such as middle ear cholesteatoma, middle ear cholesterol granuloma, and tympanosclerosis, and patients often have nasal disorders, such as dysphagia, chronic sinusitis with/without nasal polyps, allergic rhinitis, and nasopharyngeal lesions ( 1 , 8 , 9 ).…”