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Published on: June 20, 2018
Interplay Between Rhinosinusitis and Eustachian Tube Dysfunction in Patients Undergoing Functional Endoscopic Sinus
Jing-Jie Wang1,2, Chien-Hsiang Weng3, Yi-Ting Yao1
1Department of Otolaryngology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
Summary
Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) shows a moderate link to patient-reported Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD). Higher symptom scores in CRS correlate with worse ETD, suggesting patient-reported outcome measures can identify ETD influenced by CRS.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Rhinology
- Audiology
Background:
- Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a prevalent inflammatory condition affecting the sinonasal pathways.
- Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) can significantly impact quality of life, often co-occurring with upper airway diseases.
- Understanding the relationship between CRS and ETD is crucial for comprehensive patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD).
- To utilize both subjective and objective measures to assess this relationship.
- To explore the impact of disease laterality on Eustachian tube function (ETF) in CRS patients.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study involving 85 CRS patients undergoing FESS.
- Subjective assessment using the Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire-7 (ETDQ-7) and Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22).
- Objective evaluations included tympanometry (MPD), nasal endoscopy (MLK), sinus CT (LM), and acoustic rhinometry (MCA2).
Main Results:
- 36.5% of CRS patients exhibited poor Eustachian tube function (ETDQ-7 ≥ 14), correlating with higher SNOT-22 scores (P < .001).
- A moderate correlation was found between ETDQ-7 and SNOT-22 (r = 0.65).
- No significant objective differences (MPD, MLK, LM, MCA2) were observed between fair and poor ETF groups; laterality showed no significant association.
Conclusions:
- Patient-reported sinonasal symptom burden is moderately associated with patient-reported ETD in CRS.
- Elevated ETDQ-7 scores often align with increased SNOT-22 severity.
- Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) may help identify CRS patients with ETD symptoms partly influenced by their sinonasal condition.
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