Why Cannot We have an Etiological Classification for the Patients with Granular Myringitis?

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Pathology

Background:

• Granular myringitis (GM) is a recognized condition without a formal classification system.
• The etiology of GM remains unclear, with granulations sometimes associated with external auditory canal (EAC) and middle ear pathologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the etiological factors contributing to GM.
• To develop a classification system for GM based on its causes and associated ear conditions.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar.
• Hand search of reference books for relevant articles.
• Data extraction included etiological factors, pathological features, and associated EAC/middle ear disorders.

Main Results:

• The study proposes an etiological classification of GM into two main groups: primary and secondary.
• Primary GM is idiopathic, without co-existing otitis media or otitis externa.
• Secondary GM has identifiable causes and is often linked to otitis media and/or EAC lesions.

Conclusions:

• A new etiological classification for granular myringitis is proposed.
• Primary GM may be linked to self-ear cleaning habits, requiring further research.
• This classification aids in understanding and potentially managing GM based on its underlying causes.