Adult-onset otitis media with effusion

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to analyze the data concerning adult-onset otitis media with effusion [OME] in order to configure its clinical profile, etiology, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic management. Design: A retrospective study. Materials and Sevety seven consecutive cases [105 ears] of OME were seen.All the patients were older than 16 years. Initial symptoms, physical examination, operative findings, underlying diseases, and therapy were analyzed. Hearing impairment [94.8.3%] was the most prevalent initial symptom, followed by ear stuffiness [54.5%]. The condition was bilateral in 39 patients [50.6%] and unilateral in 28 patients [49.4%]. Both mucoid and serous effusion occurred with predominance of the former. The most common two associated etiological conditions were sinusitis [22.2%] and nasopharyngeal malignancy [11.1%]. Other factors included adenoid, allergy, and nasopharyngitis. No etiological factor was detected in 10 patients [13%]. Sinusitis and nasopharyngeal carcinoma were the main associated etiologic factors OME in adults. In addition to treatment of sinusitis, nasopharyngeal check-up is mandatory in the management of adults with OME