Mastoid pneumatization and otosderosis-is there a correlation

The environment versus the genetic influence on the size of the mastoid pneumatization has been debated for years. A concrete evidence of the influence of environmental factors (e.g. inflammation) or heredity on pneumatization is still lacking. In this study the extent to mastoid peumatization in thirty otosclerotic ears was compared with control ears. The size of mastoid pneumatization was measured by the use of Law lateral x-ray projection with the help of planimetry. It was found that the average pneumatized area in otosclerotic ears was 14.73+ -3.55 cm2 compared to 10.60+3.62 cm2 in control ears which was statistically significant. In addition the mean area of mastoid air system was found to be more in the operated ears compared to the contralateral ears, the difference being statistically significant. However there was no correlation of mastoid pneumatization with degree and duration of hearing loss and type of otosclerotic focus. Our findings therefore show a link between otosclerosis and highly pneumatized mastoids thus indicating a likelihood of heredity playing a role in determining final type ot pneumatization.