Tympanic membrane atrophy, scarring, atelectasis and attic retraction in persistent, untreated otitis media with effusion and following ventilation tube insertion

Two hundred and twenty two children with persistent bilateral otitis media with effusion (OME) were treated with unilateral ventilation tube insertion and no treatment to the contralateral ear. The tympanic membrane changes in the operated and unoperated ears were compared during a 12 year follow-up. Segmental atrophy resulted from tube insertion whereas minor scarring and thickening of the pars tensa was related to the middle ear condition. Eighty three percent of untreated ears and 85% of those treated with tubes did not develop atelectasis. Sixty percent of untreated ears and 64% of treated ears did not develop attic retraction. Very few cases (1.5 and 2%) in untreated and treated ears, respectively developed severe atelectasis. The overall duration of OME was assessed from the pre-operative history of hearing loss, the 3 month period of pre-operative observation and the post-operative time with effusion. There is a relationship between duration of the disease and development of both atelectasis and attic retraction.     

Sequelae of otitis media with effusion among children with cleft lip and/or cleft palate

Otitis media with effusion (OME) is common among children with cleft palate, and may lead to such long-term consequences as hearing loss, tympanic membrane retraction, and chronic otitis media (COM). In total, 104 children with cleft lip and/or palate treated for OME at our institution were reviewed. Mean duration of follow-up was 6.9 years, and mean age at latest follow-up was 9.6 years. The incidence of COM was 19%, and the incidence of cholesteatoma was 1.9%. Ears showing such long-term sequelae of OME as hearing loss, tympanic membrane retraction, and chronic otitis media, were noted to have undergone a significantly greater number of ventilation tube insertions than ears not showing these sequalae. Our findings would suggest that a conservative approach to the management of OME in children with cleft palate is more likely to be beneficial in the long term.     

Sequelae of otitis media with effusion among children with cleft lip and/or cleft palate1

Otitis media with effusion (OME) is common among children with cleft palate, and may lead to such long‐term consequences as hearing loss, tympanic membrane retraction, and chronic otitis media (COM). In total, 104 children with cleft lip and/or palate treated for OME at our institution were reviewed. Mean duration of follow‐up was 6.9 years, and mean age at latest follow‐up was 9.6 years. The incidence of COM was 19%, and the incidence of cholesteatoma was 1.9%. Ears showing such long‐term sequelae of OME as hearing loss, tympanic membrane retraction, and chronic otitis media, were noted to have undergone a significantly greater number of ventilation tube insertions than ears not showing these sequalae. Our findings would suggest that a conservative approach to the management of OME in children with cleft palate is more likely to be beneficial in the long term.     

Long-term effects of ventilation tubes for persistent otitis media with effusion in children

The otological, auditory and developmental effects of treatment with ventilation tubes were studied in a sample of 7–8-year-old Dutch children screened for otitis media with effusion (OME) serially at preschool age. Children treated with ventilation tubes were matched retrospectively for OME history, sex, and age with children who were not treated surgically. At the age of 7–8, abnormalities of the tympanic membrane were more prevalent in treated than in untreated ears. No significant differences were found in middle ear function and hearing in both groups. Some positive effects of early surgical intervention on specific developmental measures were found.     

Clinical studies on attic retraction]

Attic retraction was studied in 327 ears of 264 patients in whom photographs of the tympanic membrane were taken from 1983 to 1989. Attic retraction was investigated clinically on the basis of findings of the tympanic membrane in reference to the photographs and ear X-ray findings, including CT. Attic retraction was also observed in 4.5% of cases without inflammation, but its severity was mild. The incidence of attic retraction in cases of adhesive otitis media was 42.7% in mild adhesive otitis media (adhesive grade I) and 60.8% in severe adhesive otitis media (adhesive grade II), both incidences were significantly higher than the incidence of 23.8% in cases of otitis media with effusion. Thus, the incidence of attic retraction increased as the grade of adhesion became severer. In cases of otitis media with effusion, the incidence was significantly higher in the adult group (32.3%) than in the child group (17.4%). In many of the ears with otitis media with effusion, adhesive grade I and chronic otitis media, the severity of attic retraction was mild. There were more cases of milder retraction in the child group than in the adult group. Attic retraction underwent change with time in 2.8% of cases, and cholesteatoma occurred in 1.8% of cases. No improvement in attic retraction was achieved by insertion of a ventilation tube. Bilateral attic retraction was observed in 56.9% of the child group and 30.2% of the adult group, and the difference was statistically significant. Ear X-ray findings by Schüller's method revealed many ears with poorly developed mastoid cells and poor pneumatization.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Ventilation time of the middle ear in otitis media with effusion (OME) after CO2 laser myringotomy

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the transtympanic ventilation time, the healing course of the tympanic membrane, the early and late complications, and the recurrence rate of otitis media with effusion (OME) within 6 months after CO2 laser myringotomy with the CO2 laser otoscope Otoscan. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, laser myringotomy was performed with the CO2 laser otoscope Otoscan in a patient population comprising 81 children (159 ears) with a history of otitis media with effusion (OME) associated with adenoidal and sometimes tonsillar hyperplasia. The procedure on the tympanic membrane was accordingly combined with an adenoidectomy, a CO2 laser tonsillotomy, or a tonsillectomy and therefore performed under insufflation anesthesia. In all ears, approximately 2 mm circular perforations were created in the lower anterior quadrants with a power of 12 to 15 W, a pulse duration of 180 msec, and a scanned area of 2.2 mm in diameter. RESULTS: None of the children showed postoperative impairment of cochleovestibular function such as sensorineural hearing loss or nystagmus. Otomicroscopic and videoendoscopic monitoring documented the closure time and healing pattern of tympanic membrane perforations. The mean closure time was found to be 16.35 days (minimum, 8 days; maximum, 34 days). As a rule, an onion-skin-like membrane of keratinized material was seen in the former myringotomy perforations at the time of closure. At the follow-up 6 months later, the condition of the tympanic membrane of 129 ears (81.1%) could be checked by otomicroscopy and videoendoscopy and the hearing ability by audiometry and tympanometry. The CO2 laser myringotomy sites appeared normal and irritation-free. Two of the tympanic membranes examined (1.6%) showed atrophic scar formation, and 1 (0.8%) had a perforation with a diameter of 0.3 mm. The perforation was seen closed in a control otoscopy 15 months postoperatively. OME recurred in 26.3% of the ears seen intraoperatively with mucous secretion (n = 38) and in 13.5% of the ears with serous secretion (n = 37; P <.05). CONCLUSION: The most important principle in treating OME is ventilation of the tympanic cavity. CO2 laser myringotomy achieves this through a self-healing perforation in which its diameter roughly determines the duration of transtympanic ventilation. Laser myringotomy competes with ventilation tube insertion in the treatment of OME. It may be a useful alternative in the surgical management of secretory otitis media.     

腭裂患儿分泌性中耳炎鼓室置管术疗效分析

目的　观察鼓室置管术在治疗腭裂患儿分泌性中耳炎听力损失的疗效 ,探讨中耳通气管的选择、手术适应证及注意事项。方法　双耳伴发分泌性中耳炎伴听力损失的住院腭裂患儿 19例 ,平均年龄 5 8岁 ,平均气导语频听阈较大的一侧耳在腭裂修复术同期行鼓室置管术 ,对侧未置管耳作为对照组 ,术后 2周至 18个月复查 ,比较置管组及对照组腭裂术前、术后听阈的变化情况。结果置管组耳术后平均气导语频听阈 (2 7 0± 6 5 )dB较术前 (42 7± 8 2 )dB显著降低 ,而对照组耳术前(2 9 0± 6 1)dB、术后 (2 7 0± 4 1)dB听阈差异无显著性。置管组未见严重耳科并发症。结论　腭裂修复术同期鼓室置管术安全、有效 ,可恢复患者听力 ,有利于腭裂术后语音学习。     

上鼓室内陷袋的临床特征分析

目的：探讨上鼓室内陷袋的临床特征。方法：分析92例（118耳）上鼓室内陷袋患者的临床资料、临床表现（常以耳闷胀感、听力下降及耳鸣为主诉）、耳内镜检查及分级、听力学、影像学检查及并发病变。结果：118耳中,TosⅠ～Ⅳ级分别为15耳（12．7％）,48耳（40．7％）,23耳（19．5％）及32耳（27．1％）。耳内镜下可见并发的分泌性中耳炎41耳（34．7％）、中耳膨胀不全16耳（13．6％）、粘连性中耳炎8耳（6．8％）及内陷袋胆脂瘤。纯音测听以传导性聋为主,少数还有以传导性聋为主的混合性聋。因并发中耳疾病及疾病性质的不同,而对听力的影响也不同,且差异也有统计学意义（P〈0．01）。Ⅰ～Ⅲ级各病变组与Ⅳ级病变对听力的影响有统计学意义（P〈0．01）,Ⅰ～Ⅲ级之间的听阈无统计学意义（P〉0．01）,声阻抗以平坦型及负压为主。其中97耳CT及X线摄片结果显示,乳突气化不良程度与对照组有差异（P〈0．01）。结论：上鼓室内陷袋反映中耳负压状态,其发病机制与咽鼓管功能、炎症、乳突气化程度相关;因其存在发展为内陷袋胆脂瘤的潜在危险,故临床上应加强早、中期病变的随访及干预。     

Results of middle ear ventilation with Goode's tubes

The results of a retrospective study of the effect and outcome of middle ear ventilation by Goode's tubes are presented. 83 ears from 50 patients were analyzed both as a group and in age-related sub-groups over a mean follow-up period of 1.83 years. The mean period of ventilation by Goode's tubes before removal or extrusion was 18.4 months. The tubes became infected in 70.4% and were spontaneously extruded in 44.9% of patients. Permanent perforation of the tympanic membrane ensued in 47.5% of patients and significantly more often in those aged between 10 and 20 years (P less than 0.002). Patients aged less than 10 years were significantly less likely to develop a retraction of their tympanic membranes after removal of the Goode's tube than those older (P less than 0.02). No significant relationship was found between the development of these complications and the period of ventilation, past experience of otitis media, consistency of effusion, degree of tympanosclerosis or the preoperative presence of tympanic retraction.     

Otological and audiological outcomes five years after tympanostomy in early childhood

OBJECTIVE: Ventilation tubes in the treatment of otitis media in young children remain controversial. Despite abundant research, few prospective long-term follow-up studies have included even a minority of patients under 1 year old. We investigated long-term otological and audiological outcomes in children with recurrent acute otitis media and otitis media with effusion, who were treated early with ventilation tubes. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective follow-up. METHODS: Three hundred five children under 17 months of age received a primary tympanostomy in the Central Hospital of Central Finland (Jyv?skyl?, Finland), and those 281 (92.1%) who were monitored prospectively for 5 years made up the study group. At the final examination, pneumatic otoscope and otomicroscope were used and pure-tone audiometric thresholds of air and bone conduction were measured to define the hearing levels (mean of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 KHz thresholds). RESULTS: Of ears, 67.3% were healed, 7.1% had a retraction of tympanic membrane in pars flaccida and 9.6% in pars tensa, 7.5% had an ongoing otitis media with effusion, 3.9% had a ventilation tube in place, and 4.6% had a tympanic membrane perforation with mean hearing levels of 7.6, 9.0, 16.0, 18.5, 10.5, and 17.7 dB, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Hearing in general was well preserved, and no ear presented with adhesive otitis media or cholesteatoma. Adverse otological and audiological outcomes of these young children did not exceed those presented by others for older counterparts. Tympanic membrane perforations, ongoing otitis media with effusion, and pars tensa retractions were causes of mild conductive hearing loss. Because one third of ears continued to have middle ear disease or sequelae, we emphasize the proper follow-up and restoration of middle ear ventilation with repeat ventilation tubes if not otherwise achieved.     

Organic change of effusion in the mastoid in otitis media with effusion and its relation to attic retraction

To try to solve the pathogenesis of severe attic retraction viewed from mastoid condition, we examined the residual soft tissue density (RSTD) in the mastoid by computed tomography (CT) in 85 patients (107 ears) with otitis media with effusion (OME) 3 months after tympanostomy tube insertion or later. The incidence of RSTD in the mastoid was significantly higher in OME of adults (52.6%) than in children (24.1%). Ears with severe attic retraction had RSTD significantly more frequently (80%) than those with no or mild attic retraction, and many of the mastoids with severe attic retraction were occupied totally by RSTD. The area of the mastoid (mastoid pneumatization) was significantly smaller, and CT density of the mastoid (sclerotic tendency) was significantly higher in ears with RSTD than in those without. RSTD after tympanostomy tube insertion in the mastoid indicating organic change of effusion was considered one of the important factors relating to the pathogenesis of severe attic retraction.     

Pro or contra drainage of the tympanum

Ventilation tubes ("grommets") appear to be the logical treatment of chronic secretory otitis media, based on the theory of its pathogenesis. Usually they have an impressive immediate effect, and enjoy great popularity. However, there are critics who restrict the indications, for two reasons: it has been observed repeatedly that the spontaneous healing rate in secretory otitis media is about 80%, and follow up studies over several years suggest that persistent lesions of the middle ear (scars and defects of the tympanic membrane, conductive hearing loss, cholesteatoma etc.) occur somewhat more often in grommet-treated ears than in ears without ventilation tubes. A therapeutic advantage of ventilation tubes in the resolution of chronic secretory otitis media has not been proved. Therefore, according to our present knowledge the only treatment effect of ventilation tubes is the immediate elimination of conductive hearing loss. As development studies in children suggest that a conductive hearing loss does not become a handicap for speech and mental development unless it has persisted for several months, ventilation tubes seem to be indicated only when a bilateral middle ear effusion of greater than 25 dB persists for more than 3 months. However, in children with delayed speech development one should not wait such a long time, because they particularly depend upon normal hearing ability.     

无明显耳漏症状的胆脂瘤型中耳炎17例临床分析

目的 探讨无明显耳漏症状的胆脂瘤型中耳炎临床特征，提高诊断水平。方法 回顾性分析17例(17耳)经手术及病理证实的本病临床资料。结果 17例中12例无耳漏史，3例幼年时及2例发病早期曾有短时耳漏。鼓膜看不到穿孔4例，松弛部及紧张部后上方有轻微体征13例，其中瘢痕及内陷囊袋各3例，上皮痂、耵聍覆盖5例，针尖样穿孔2例。听力下降以轻、中度传导性聋为主。鼓室导抗图为B型。CT诊断符合率为76．5％(13／17)。结论 无明显耳漏症状的胆脂型中耳炎常以无明显耳漏，轻、中度听力下降及鼓膜体征轻微为主要临床特征．易发生漏诊、误诊。轻、中度听力下降可为其唯一症状，也是诊断的重要线索。仔细检查鼓膜并结合影像学资料综合分析才可减少漏诊，防止耳源性并发症。     

A comparison of outcomes following tympanostomy tube placement or conservative measures for management of otitis media with effusion

We obtained the charts of 183 patients (197 ears) who had undergone surgery for chronic otitis media (COM), and we reviewed their otic histories to analyze the series of events that ultimately culminated in surgery. All ears had originally been treated for otitis media with effusion (OME); 125 ears had been treated with tympanostomy tube placement, and 72 ears had been treated with conservative measures. Our goal was to compare the influence that these two strategies had on the subsequent development of COM and its sequelae (i.e., retraction pockets, tympanic membrane perforations, and cholesteatomas) and thereby determine which strategy is preferable. We found that although retraction pockets developed in a significantly higher proportion of the tympanostomy-treated ears than the conservatively treated ears (58 vs. 35%; p < 0.01), a significantly greater percentage of retractions in the tympanostomy-treated ears were mild and situated in the anterior part of the tympanic membrane (52 vs. 32%; p < 0.05). Moreover, severe retractions were significantly more common in the conservatively treated ears (40 vs. 16%; p < 0.02); the incidence of complete retractions in the two groups of ears was similar (tympanostomy: 32%; conservative treatment: 28%). Cholesteatomas developed in a significantly lower percentage of tympanostomy-treated ears (67 vs. 81%; p < 0.05), and the incidence of large cholesteatomas that involved the tympanic and mastoid cavities was likewise significantly lower in these ears (44 vs. 69%; p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of tympanic membrane perforations. Finally, even though all of these ears eventually required surgery for COM, the tympanostomy-treated ears required significantly fewer repeat surgeries (16 vs. 28%; p < 0.05) and significantly fewer radical modified tympanomastoidectomies (30 vs. 44%; p < 0.05). Therefore, we conclude that myringotomy with insertion of tympanostomy tubes to treat OME is superior to conservative treatment.     

Hearing acuity in otitis media with effusion and adhesive otitis media

The relationship between findings established by the photograph of the tympanic membrane and hypacusia was determined by pure-tone audiometry. Subjects were 352 ears of 267 patients diagnosed as otitis media with effusion (OME) or adhesive otitis media (AdOM). These two diseases were evaluated on the basis of photographs of the tympanic membrane taken from 1983 to 1988. The results were as follows; 1) The effect of aging process on hearing acuity was noted in patients with these diseases, i.e., values of hearing acuity by air and bone conduction were, in descending order, early-, mature-, and advanced-age groups, with significant differences (p less than 0.01). 2) Greater loss of acuity by air conduction in the middle to high frequency ranges was found in patients with OME than with AdOM. In bone conduction, a decrease in low frequency range in the early--and mature--age groups was larger in patients with AdOM than with OME and a significant decrease in 2000-6000 Hz in the advanced-age group was more marked in patients with OME than with AdOM (p less than 0.05). 3) Among patients with AdOM, those with retained fluid in the middle ear showed a significant decrease in air conduction values and a significant increase in air-bone gap compared with those without fluid (p less than 0.05). 4) The degrees of adhesion correlated well with a decrease in hearing acuity. 5) Hearing acuity was not influenced by attic retraction, white plaque, scar and atrophy of their tympanic membranes.     

探讨儿童分泌性中耳炎的诊断程序

目的 将鼓室导抗图、纯音听阈与耳CT结果比较,并经鼓膜切开所见验证,分析鼓室导抗图、纯音听阈和耳CT在判断中耳积液的敏感度.方法 分析2007年1月至2008年6月临床诊断分泌性中耳炎住院治疗的患者,将其病史、平均听阈、CT结果进行Logistic分析.结果 40例(75耳)患者中男28例(53耳),女12例(22耳).年龄最小3岁6个月,最大11岁10个月,平均6岁6个月.鼓膜切开证实中耳有分泌物62耳(82.7%),无明显分泌物13耳(17.3%).鼓膜置管23耳.统计学分析结果显示,听力损失程度、CT结果与中耳积液有相关性(r值分别为1.392、1.355;P值均＜0.05).结论 通过鼓膜情况、鼓室导抗图和平均听阈综合判断中耳积液有较高的敏感度.特别以传导性听力损失程度判断有无中耳积液有较高特异性.分泌性中耳炎的患儿,除常规耳科检查,应首先进行声导抗,纯音测听检查.尽管耳CT具有较高的敏感度但是由于其副作用的局限,不建议作为分泌性中耳炎的常规检查.     

The role of ventilation tube status in the hearing levels in children managed for bilateral persistent otitis media with effusion

The study determined the effects on hearing of the status of ventilation tubes, using a combination of otoscopy and tympanometry to determine function, in children managed for bilateral persistent otitis media with effusion (OME). The subjects were aged between 3.5 and 7 years and had a documented history of bilateral OME over a 12-week watchful waiting period associated with a hearing impairment in both ears of >or= 20 dB HL. The children reported are those randomized to the two surgical arms, both of which had bilateral myringotomy, aspiration of middle ear fluid and insertion of Shepard ventilation tubes. One arm furthermore received adenoidectomy. The data were analysed 'as treated' to document therapeutic progress. Tubes confirmed to be functioning on otoscopy and tympanometry only partially alleviate the conductive impairment associated with childhood OME (AC mean 12 dB HL, SD 4; ABG 13 dB, SD 7, 3 months post operation). Thus, children with a functioning ventilation tube cannot be considered to have 'normal' hearing. Once the tube has extruded, ears that no longer have OME still have a small conductive hearing impairment (at 12 months AC 14 dB HL, SD 6; ABG 16 dB, SD 9) but this improves with time. In children with bilateral tubes, both remain functioning for a median duration of 21 weeks (IQR 10-40) and at least one for a median of 40 weeks (IQR 24-61). Tube blockage significantly (P = 0.001) increases the risk of extrusion (84% versus 44%). When inserted in children between 3.5 and 7 years for OME, the otoscopic incidence of tube infection is low (1%).     

Erosion of the incus in pediatric posterior tympanic membrane retraction pockets without cholesteatoma

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of erosion of the incus in pediatric patients operated for atelectasis with postero-superior retraction pockets and incudopexy. Associated hearing loss was determined and a comparison was made between the patients with and without incus erosion. METHODS: Observational study of patients seen and operated at the Sophia Children's Hospital in Rotterdam between 2002 and 2005. All patients who had undergone surgery for posterior retraction pockets with preoperative evidence of fixation of the tympanic membrane to the incudo-stapedial complex were identified for the study. Patients with evidence of cholesteatoma (epithelial debris within the pockets) were excluded from the study. Pre- and postoperative air and bone conduction thresholds and air-bone gaps were calculated using the four-tone pure-tone average for bone- and air conduction. RESULTS: In this study of 46 ears with posterior retractions adherent to the incus, 30% were found to have some degree of erosion of the incus associated with incudopexy. In the group with incudopexy without erosion the preoperative and postoperative air-bone gaps were 10.0+/-9.8 and 5.9+/-8.3dB respectively. The pre-and postoperative air-bone gaps in the incus erosion group were 20.1+/-13.3 and 13.8+/-9.1dB respectively. The audiological differences between the erosion group and the non-erosion group and between pre- and postoperative air-bone gaps were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: In this group of children with posterior retraction pockets adherent to the incus, we found at surgery a high incidence of erosion of the incus. The audiometric data confirms that early surgery does not adversely affect the postoperative hearing where there is no erosion of the incus, and likewise the improvement in air-bone gap postoperatively was statistically significant in the erosion group. On the basis of these findings we suggest that watchful waiting may not be the best strategy in pediatric atelectasis once the tympanic membrane has become adherent to the ossicular chain.     

上鼓室胆脂瘤型中耳炎的手术治疗

目的探讨上鼓室胆脂瘤型中耳炎的手术治疗方法。方法对23例（23耳）上鼓室胆脂瘤型中耳炎患者经耳内切口行上鼓室切开清理病变。20耳胆脂瘤破坏并超过锤砧关节达前上鼓室,3耳锤砧关节鼓室侧隐藏胆脂瘤,彻底清除胆脂瘤并切除病变的锤骨头及砧骨,人工听小骨（partial ossicular replacement protheses,PORP）架桥于锤骨柄与镫骨头之间重建听骨链（Ⅲ型鼓室成型术）。23耳采用带软骨膜的耳屏软骨重建上鼓室外侧壁,其软骨膜修复鼓膜松弛部穿孔。观察术后上鼓室外侧壁和鼓膜愈合及听力恢复情况。结果23例患者随诊1～4年,所有病例上鼓室外侧壁及鼓膜松弛部愈合良好。术后患耳PTA=21．1 dB HL,较术前平均降低12．8 dB HL,差别有统计学意义（t=20．136,P〈0-01）;术后患耳气骨导差下降12．8 dB HL,差别有统计学意义（t=19．48,P〈0．01）;术后患耳骨导听阈改变无显著意义（t=1．56。P〉0．05）。一例患耳术后出现4000Hz以上感音神经性听力下降。术后随访听力基本稳定,无眩晕及耳鸣等并发症。结论上鼓室胆脂瘤型中耳炎应尽早发现,合理的手术方式既可彻底清除病灶。又能保留和恢复中耳传音功能。     

儿童分泌性中耳炎相关骨导听力下降的临床分析

目的：分析儿童分泌性中耳炎相关的骨导听力下降的病因、诊断和治疗方法。方法：回顾性分析150例（225耳）分泌性中耳炎儿童中35例（37耳）骨导听力下降的临床资料。结果：35例患儿均给予鼓膜切开置管或（和）鼻内镜下腺样体切除术,术后给予药物治疗。34例患儿骨导听阈恢复正常,1例患儿随访6个月改善不明显。结论：35例（23．3％）患儿的暂时性听阈移位或永久性听阈移位的发病机制与分泌性中耳炎有关。儿童分泌性中耳炎的发病病程中有发展成骨导听力下降的可能,应引起高度重视,及早干预避免病情发展。