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Mucociliary function of the eustachian tube in the eustachian tube dysfunction
Leena Pöyhönen1, Ilkka Kivekäs1, Juha Silvola1,2
1a Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Tampere, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Tampere University Hospital , Tampere , Finland.
Acta Oto-Laryngologica
|March 15, 2019
Summary
Eustachian tube mucociliary function was evaluated in patients with ET dysfunction. Results suggest better mucociliary function in patients with tympanic membrane retraction compared to middle ear effusion.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Medical research
Background:
- Current Eustachian tube (ET) function tests primarily assess ventilation.
- ET mucociliary function's role in middle ear health is under-investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the mucociliary function of the Eustachian tube in patients diagnosed with ET dysfunction.
- To compare mucociliary function between patients with tympanic membrane retraction and middle ear effusion.
Main Methods:
- Ten patients with ET dysfunction (6 with tympanic membrane retraction, 4 with middle ear effusion) were studied.
- Mucociliary function assessed using technetium-labeled albumin and blue dye instilled into the middle ear.
- Tracer clearance monitored via gamma camera and direct observation of the nasopharyngeal ET orifice.
Main Results:
- Blue dye reached the ET orifice within 30 minutes in 60% of patients.
- Of those with dye observed, 5/6 had tympanic membrane retraction and 1/6 had middle ear effusion.
- Tracer activity decreased from the middle ear in 60% of patients, with 4/6 having retraction and 2/6 having effusion.
Conclusions:
- Eustachian tube mucociliary function appears to be more effective in patients with tympanic membrane retraction than in those with middle ear effusion.
- The blue dye test is a practical and accessible method for assessing ET mucociliary function in clinical settings.
- ET mucociliary function is crucial for maintaining middle ear aeration.
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