THE function and morphology study of eustachian tube based on sonotubometry and multi-slice spiral CT in normal subjects / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: In order to assess ET more comprehensively, sonotubometry (STM)combined with CT images were applied to investigate the opening features of eustachian tube (ET) in normal subjects. STM was also used as a monitor training ET opening maneuver and optimizing CT scan parameters. Methods: Following ET opening training monitored by STM, STM data of ET opening duration and maximum sound pressure from 13 healthy volunteers (10 males and 3 females, 22 to 26 years old) were acquired using maneuvers of swallowing and Valsalva in standing and supine positions. Two trials of CT scan, setting A (slice thickness 6.0 mm, manually simulated to 0.6 mm, reconstruction thickness 0.6 mm) for normal and Valsalva scans and setting B(slice thickness 0.4 mm,reconstruction thickness 0.4 mm)for Valsalva scan, were conducted in each subject. The bone area and cartilage area of ET were measured respectively in reconstructed CT images. Statistical software SPSS 19.0 was employed in data analysis. Results: The duration of ET opening and maximum sound pressure by Valsalva were longer and stronger than those by swallowing in both positions. For Valsalva maneuver, standing position resulted in longer ET opening duration compared to supine position (P<0.05). Under setting A, ET cartilage area was measured larger by Valsalva scan than by normal scan (P<0.05). By Valsalva scan, setting A captured larger ET cartilage area compared to setting B (P<0.05). CT setting B resulted in longer scan time in comparison to setting A (P<0.05). Conclusions: Techniques of STM in supine position plus CT scan under setting A can be combined by Valsalva passive ET opening. Not only the invisible ET lumen through routine CT scan can be illustrated, but also relevant ET open-close process is shown, therefore, this study provides the technique for ET research of function and structure.

Ear teratoma; a case report

Teratomas are tumors originated from mature or immature tissues. Teratomas are made up of one embryonic layer or all three embryonic layers [endoderm, mesoderm, or ectoderm]. Herein we report a 41-year-old man who presented with vertigo, vomiting, and tinnitus. After physical examination, laboratory evaluation and performing computed tomography, cholesteatoma was diagnosed, however, during radical mastoidectomy a cystic tumor was found. The result of pathology proved middle ear and mastoid teratoma

Assessment of eustachian tubal function: a multifaceted approach

Eustachian tubal function was studied in 50 patients having perforated ear drums by doing valsalva manoeuvre, Bortnick-Miller [B.M.] apparatus and contrast roentgenographic evaluation [prograde technique] were done. The ventilatory function of the Eustachian tube was severely compromised in traumatic perforation cases [50%]. The use of traumatic perforation cases as control in future investigations has been put to question. The ventilatory function of the Eustachian tubes in CSOM was found to be less efficient as compared to controls. However, a wide spectrum of functions ranging from normal to complete absence of function was found in these cases. A comparison between B.M. Test and contrast evaluation demonstrated a false positive result of 26.8% in the later test as far as ventilatory function was concerned. It was thus inferred that B.M. Test and contrast evaluation demonstrated a false positive result of 26.8% in the later test as far as ventilatory function was concerned. It was thus inferred that B.M. test should be used as screening procedure for testing ventilatory n of Eustachian tube. The severely hypo-functioning and non-functioning a tubes should be subjected to contrast evaluation to delineate the site and probable use of obstruction