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The size of the mastoid air cell system among black and white children with middle ear effusion
Insights
Middle ear disease is less common in Black American children. A smaller mastoid air cell system, not race, was linked to middle ear effusion in children.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Health
- Anatomy
Background:
- The incidence of middle ear disease differs between racial groups.
- Potential anatomical factors contributing to this disparity require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of mastoid process cellularity in middle ear disease.
- To compare mastoid air cell system size in Black and White children with and without middle ear effusion.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of mastoid air cell system size.
- Comparison between racial groups (Black and White children).
- Inclusion of children with and without middle ear effusion.
Main Results:
- A significantly smaller mastoid air cell system was observed in children with middle ear disease.
- No significant difference in mastoid air cell system size was found between Black and White children.
- Mastoid air cell size was smaller in diseased ears compared to non-diseased ears, irrespective of race.
Conclusions:
- Mastoid air cell system size is a significant factor in middle ear disease.
- The observed difference in middle ear disease incidence is not attributable to racial variations in mastoid cellularity.
- Smaller mastoid air cell systems are associated with middle ear effusion in children.
Abstract:
The incidence of middle ear disease among black American children is lower than among white children. Many factors may contribute to this difference. The possibility of an anatomical variation regarding the cellularity of the mastoid process was investigated. The size of the mastoid air cell system was measured in black and white children with and without middle ear effusion. A significantly smaller mastoid air cell system was found in the groups with middle ear disease compared to those without disease. No difference between white and black children in diseased as well as non-diseased ears could be demonstrated.