Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
Published on: August 7, 2017
Diagnosis of Eosinophilic Otitis Media Using Blood Eosinophil Levels
Yeonsu Jeong1, Gina Na1, Jong-Gyun Ha2
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Severance Hospiral, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Eosinophilic otitis media (EOM) is a rare middle ear disease with unfavorable outcomes. Under the current diagnostic criteria of EOM, it is challenging to suspect EOM before tympanostomy. Therefore, this study attempted to use blood eosinophil levels for the differential diagnosis of EOM from other conditions. Three disease groups with features of recurrent otorrhea were categorized, which included the following: EOM (n = 9), granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA, n = 12), and primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD, n = 6). Clinical and radiological characteristics were analyzed in the three groups. Patients who underwent ventilation tube insertion due to serous otitis media were enrolled as the control group (n = 225) to evaluate the diagnostic validity of blood eosinophilia. The EOM group showed a significantly higher blood eosinophil concentration (p < 0.001) and blood eosinophil count (p < 0.001) compared to the GPA and PCD groups. The estimated sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing EOM from OME patients who underwent ventilation tube insertion were 100% and 95.6%, respectively. In addition, EOM tended to have protympanic space soft tissue density and a relatively clear retrotympanic space in temporal bone computerized tomography. Blood eosinophil evaluation is a significant clinical indicator of EOM. Furthermore, the assessment of exclusive protympanic soft tissue density can provide an additional diagnostic clue.
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of the Abdomen I: Inspection and Auscultation
The abdominal examination is a cornerstone of clinical medicine, serving as a critical tool in diagnosing various gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. It involves a systematic approach that includes inspection and auscultation, each with distinct yet complementary roles in assessing the abdomen. This article will delve into these two primary methods healthcare professionals use to examine the abdomen.
Inspection of the Abdomen
The first step in any abdominal examination is inspection.
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Urine Studies II: Urine Culture and Sensitivity Test

