Assessment of Eustachian Tube Function in Patients With Chronic Otitis
Media With Effusion
Abstract
Objective: To explore the pathogenesis of Eustachian tube dysfunction
(ETD) in patients with chronic otitis media with effusion (COME) using
middle ear pressure-equilibration testing. Methods: Pressure
equilibration testing of ET ventilation function was carried out in 72
ears which included 51 ears of COME patients with ventilation tube (COME
group) and 21 ears of patients with traumatic tympanic perforation (TP
group). According to the results of the test, these ears were further
divided into four types: 1. with both passive and active opening, 2.
only with passive opening, 3. only with active opening, 4. without
passive and active opening. Results: 85.7% ears in the TP group had
both active and passive ET function while 88.2% ears in the COME group
had ETD. The average frequency of ET opening (P<0.001) and the
occurrence rate of pressure rebound wave (P<0.001) was
significantly lower in the COME group, while the mean residual pressure
after several swallowing acts (P<0.001) and the average ET
opening duration (P=0.004) was significantly higher in the COME group
than in the TP group. Conclusions: Relatively higher residual pressure,
lower effective opening frequency, disappearance of rebound wave and
longer ET opening duration indicate poor ET ventilation function and an
abnormal contraction pattern of peritubular muscles of the ET in
patients with COME. Our results show that ETD is prevalent in most
patients with COME with various causes. Therefore, appropriate treatment
methods should be adopted to ensure prompt and adequate recovery.
Keywords: Eustachian tube function,pressure-equilibration test,chronic
otitis media with effusion