EUSTACHIAN TUBE OBSTRUCTION AND RADIATION THERAPY

One hundred and ninety-four patients with eustachian tube obstruction due to lymphoid tissue were treated with radiation therapy administered once a week for four weeks. Total dose to the skin for each lateral port was 600 r, and midline dose for a skull of 12 cm. width was approximately 42 rad for every 100 r on the skin. Of 121 patients under 15 years of age, 70% were completely better or markedly improved at six months; 8% showed no change. Long-term follow-up, averaging four and a half years after therapy, indicated that 82% were completely better or markedly improved and 8% were unchanged. Of 73 patients over 15 years of age, 58% were completely better or markedly improved at six months and 20% showed no change. After long-term follow-up (four years and four months after treatment) 68% were completely better or markedly improved and 17% showed no change.