Investigations on the potential of optical coherence tomography as an imaging tool for eustachian tube

The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility of eustachian tube optical coherence tomography (ET-OCT) for imaging the pharyngeal region of the eustachian tube (ET). Ten subjects with ear complaints underwent ET-OCT guided by nasal endoscopy, and ET-OCT examination was performed on both sides of each subject's ETs. The process and resulting images were analysed. Ten subjects ranging from 21 to 73 years old (45 ± 14.77) were enrolled in this study. Eighteen ET-OCT imaging examinations were completed. The mean duration of each examination was 2.80 ± 1.62 min (ranging from 2 to 7 min). There were no adverse events or complications. In some subjects, the ET-OCT images clearly presented the microstructures of the ET wall, including the lumen, mucosa, submucosa, cartilage and plica. However, in some subjects, it showed different characteristics, such as an unclear hierarchy and secretions in the lumen. ET-OCT may help to distinguish the structural composition of the ET and elucidate related pathophysiological mechanisms. It is a valuable imaging tool suited for the ET, with potential diagnostic value in determining the morphology of the lumen, intraluminal mucosa and submucosal tissue in the pharyngeal region of the ET.