Chorda tympani nerve dysfunction associated with congenital microtia.

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Genetics
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Congenital microtia is a condition affecting ear development.
• Chorda tympani dysfunction (CTD) and facial nerve paralysis (FNP) can occur in microtia.
• The relationship between microtia severity and these dysfunctions is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between the severity of ear anomalies in congenital microtia and CTD.
• To assess the correlation between ear anomaly severity, CTD, and FNP.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective assessment of microtia patients (2010-2016).
• Ear deformity grading using the Jahrsdoerfer system via computed tomography.
• Electrogustometry (EGM) used to evaluate CTD.

Main Results:

• 172 patients included; 10.5% showed abnormal EGM thresholds (CTD).
• No significant correlation found between specific anatomical structures and CTD.
• CTD was not significantly correlated with the severity of the ear anomaly or FNP.

Conclusions:

• This study is the first to explore the link between specific ear anomalies and CTD in congenital microtia.
• CTD in microtia is not consistently related to the degree of ear malformation or FNP.
• Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying CTD in microtia.