The cytopathology of middle ear effusions (a new technique)

This article describes a simple technique for the dissolution of the mucus elements within middle ear effusions and the subsequent separation of the cells contained. After the mucus and mucopolysaccharides within middle ear effusions have been dissolved, the cells can be separated allowing for absolute cell counts with automated counters, smears for examination with light microscopy and differential cell counts, and transmission electron microscopic examination of the cell population. Transmission electron microscopy was utilized in this study to evaluate the amount of cellular distortion and artifact that resulted from the separation of these cells from the middle ear effusions and to evaluate the relative status of preservation of these cells. The ability to preserve, count, and identify the cellular component of middle ear effusions will be of value in attempting to understand the pathogenesis of otitis media with effusion.