Size of the mastoid air cell system in children with middle ear effusion

The mastoid air cell system probably functions as an air reservoir. Among adults with chronic otitis media a small mastoid air cell system is prevalent In cases of chronic nonpurulent middle ear effusion among children, the reports have been contradictory concerning the size of the mastoid air cell system. In the present investigation, white children with long-standing problems of middle ear effusion have been examined by means of X-rays of the mastoid process in the lateral projection and the size of the air cell system measured by planimetry. The size of the air cell system was found to be significantly smaller in comparison with normal white children.