Otitis media and mastoiditis in temporal bones of prehistoric Chilean populations. A paleopathological and paleoepidemiological study

Background: This study evaluates otitis media in prehistoric populations in northern Chile.

Aims/objectives: Determining prevalence of otitis media and diagnostic usefulness of temporal-bone X-rays in skulls.

Materials and methods: 444 skulls belonging to three groups: prehistoric-coastal (400–1000 AD), prehistoric-highland (400–1000 AD) and Pisagua-Regional Developments (1000–1450 AD). Skulls were evaluated visually and with Schuller’s view X-rays. Five skulls diagnosed as having had otitis media, five diagnosed as normal, and one with temporal bone fistula also had a computed tomography (CT).

Results: Changes suggestive of otitis media were present in Prehistoric-coastal 53.57%; Pisagua-Regional Developments 70.73%; prehistoric-highlands 47.90%. Diagnostic effectiveness of Schuller’s view X-rays for assesing middle ear disease was confirmed by CT studies. The case with temporal bone fistula had changes suggestive of mastoiditis and possible post auricular abscess.

Conclusions: There was a high prevalence of otitis media in prehistoric populations in Chile. The higher prevalence in one group was presumably due to racial factors. Temporal-bone X-rays are effective for massive evaluation of ear disease in skulls. A case of mastoiditis with temporal bone fistula and possible post-auricular abscess is documented.

Significance: Documenting racial factors in otitis media. Validating X-rays for massive evaluation of otitis media in skulls.     

Long-term hearing outcomes after recurrent acute otitis media during early childhood

Objective: To survey long-term hearing outcomes and middle ear pathology in a 30-year follow-up in individuals with onset of recurrent acute otitis media (rAOM) before three years of age.

Methods: 28 adults, aged 30.1–31.8 years, who originally – at the age of 12–32 months – participated in a study on rAOM between 1979 and 1983, were re-examined regarding self-reported ear problems, current tympanic membrane changes and audiology. Thirteen subjects had suffered from rAOM during early childhood and 15 subjects served as a control group.

Results: Recurrent acute otitis media subjects reported hearing problems comparable to those of the controls. Pure tone audiometry, at 125–8000?Hz, did not differ between groups. The rAOM group had a trend for impaired high-frequency (9000–14,000?Hz) threshold levels (9000–14,000?Hz); implying that their cochlear function seemed to have deteriorated.

Conclusions: Adults, who suffered from recurrent acute otitis media as infants, did not show any clinically significant hearing loss for pure tone audiometry when compared to controls, but there was a trend for impaired results regarding extended high frequency audiometry (9–14?kHz). Children suffering from rAOM will be at low risk of developing hearing loss and severe middle ear disease.     

Contralateral ear in chronic otitis media: a histologic study

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of the contralateral ear changes in human temporal bones of donors with chronic otitis media. STUDY DESIGN: Transversal. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The temporal bones were examined under light microscopy and then described. Chronic otitis media was defined by the presence of irreversible inflammatory alterations in the middle ear cleft. The contralateral ear was defined as the normal or the less affected ear. To compare the qualitative variables, the chi test was used. Spearman's nonparametric test was used for correlations. P values less than or equal to .05 were considered significant. RESULTS: We studied 85 pairs of temporal bones. Cholesteatoma was observed in 22.4% of the more damaged ears. The prevalence of contralateral ears with alterations was 91.8%. The main alterations were granulation tissue (81%), effusion (58%), and tympanic membrane retractions (35%). There was a direct and moderately strong correlation between the extent of granulation tissue in the more damaged ear and the contralateral ear (r(s) = 0.345, P = .004). A strong correlation was observed between the extent of cholesteatoma in the more damaged ear and in the contralateral ear (rs = 0.617, P < .001). CONCLUSION: We observed a high prevalence of changes in the contralateral ear. There was a direct correlation between the extent of both granulation tissue and cholesteatoma between the two ears, demonstrating that the more extensive the manifestation of these pathologies in the more damaged ear, the greater they will be in the contralateral ear.     

Prevalence of middle ear disease in Chilean natives and the impact of development over 14 years

IntroductionThe prevalence of middle ear disease and its risk factors have been the subject of multiple studies. High prevalence of middle ear disease has been described among North American natives, especially chronic otitis media. Such studies have not been carried out in South America.ObjectiveTo describe the prevalence of middle ear pathology and risk factors in native schoolchildren from southern Chile who belong to the Mapuche ethnic group, as well as the impact of socio-economic and demographic changes after 14 years of development.Material and methodsTwo otologic evaluations with an interval of 14 years were performed in schoolchildren with a percentage of indigenous population above 85%. Socioeconomic and demographic data were collected from national official statistical data.ResultsA total of 1067 schoolchildren were examined. Many described risk factors for ear pathology were found. An overall prevalence of 0.19% for tympanic membrane perforation, 5.6% for pars tensa retraction pockets, 1.5% for pars flaccida retraction pockets and 11.1% of otitis media with effusion was found. There were several socioeconomic improvements after 14 years. The difference between the prevalence of symptoms and the presence of otitis media with effusion was statistically significant (p < 0.001).ConclusionsDespite the presence of several risk factors for middle ear disease, this study population showed a low prevalence of middle ear disease. The ethnic-racial factor seems to be a protective factor.     

Morphological and pathological changes of Eustachian tube mucosa in an animal model of eosinophilic otitis media

IntroductionEosinophilic otitis media is an intractable otitis media and a fairly common middle ear disease. However, the pathogenesis of eosinophilic otitis media is obscure.ObjectiveTo observe the pathological and ultrastructural changes of the Eustachian tube mucosal epithelium in rats with eosinophilic otitis media and further explore the pathogenesis of eosinophilic otitis media.MethodsAnimals were intraperitoneally injected with 2000 mg ovalbumin and 100 mg aluminum hydroxide (alum) on day 0, followed by 100 mg ovalbumin and 100 mg alum injection on days 7 and 14. Next they were topically boosted by daily application of 100 mg ovalbumin solution via nasal drip and intratympanic injection of 0.1 mL ovalbumin (1000 mg/mL) in the right ear (group A, n = 80) and 0.1 mL saline in the left ear as control (group B, n = 80) starting on day 21 and continuing for 14 days. The temporal bones were dissected on the 35th, 38th, 41st and 43rd day separately under anesthesia. Scanning electron microscopy, hematoxylin-eosin and toluidine blue staining were used to observe the pathological and morphological changes of Eustachian tube mucosa stained samples. Moreover, inflammatory cells and cilia were counted.ResultsThe epithelium of the Eustachian tube in group A was swollen and thickened. The cilia were arranged in a disorderly manner and partially detached. Eosinophils infiltrated the submucosal layer of the Eustachian tube, and their number increased significantly compared with that in group B (p < 0.05). Simultaneously, mast cell degranulation was observed in group A. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the cilia were lodged and gathered along the whole length of Eustachian tube in group A. Ciliated cell density was significantly lower than that in Group B (p < 0.01).ConclusionIn the eosinophilic otitis media model, allergy caused significant changes in pathology and morphology of the Eustachian tube mucosa, affecting the normal function of the Eustachian tube which played an important role in the occurrence and development of eosinophilic otitis media.     

PERSISTENCE OF MIDDLE EAR DYSFUNCTION AFTER RECURRENT ACUTE OTITIS MEDIA

The presence of otitis media with effusion (OME) and high negative pressure (-200 to -400 mm H₂O)₃ were investigated in follow-up of a randomized double-blind placebo-blind placebo-controlled trial on the efficacyu of amoxicilin/clavulanic acid in the treatment of acute otitis media. All children in this study were recruited from a general practice population. Tympanometry results 1 month from the start of an episode of acute otitis media were taken as outcome criteria. Bilateral middle ear dysfunction was defined as bilateral OME, unilateral OME and contralateral or bilateral high negative pressure. Bilateral middle ear dyusfunction was present in 47.9% of the patients. Of all teh investigated factors of possible influence (age, sex, season, laterality of acute otitis media, therapy, and clinical course of acute otitis media), only season showed a statistically significant influence on the persistence of OME/high negative pressure (P = 0.001). Bilateral middle ear dysfunction was shown to be of prognostic value for the risk of a recurrence of acute otitis media (odds ratio 3.75). shown to be of prognostic value for the risk of a recurence of acute otitis media (odds ratio 3.75).     

Expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor and CD74 in the inner ear and middle ear in lipopolysaccharide-induced otitis media

Conclusion: Significant expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor and its receptor (CD74) was observed in both the middle ear and inner ear in experimental otitis media in mice. Modulation of macrophage migration inhibitory factor and its signaling pathway might be useful in the management of inner ear inflammation due to otitis media.

Objectives: Inner ear dysfunction secondary to otitis media has been reported. However, the specific mechanisms involved are not clearly understood. The aim of this study is to investigate the expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor and CD74 in the middle ear and inner ear in lipopolysaccharide-induced otitis media.

Method: BALB/c mice received a transtympanic injection of either lipopolysaccharide or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). The mice were sacrificed 24?h after injection, and temporal bones were processed for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, histologic examination, and immunohistochemistry.

Results: PCR examination revealed that the lipopolysaccharide-injected mice showed a significant up-regulation of macrophage migration inhibitory factor in both the middle ear and inner ear as compared with the PBS-injected control mice. The immunohistochemical study showed positive reactions for macrophage migration inhibitory factor and CD74 in infiltrating inflammatory cells, middle ear mucosa, and inner ear in the lipopolysaccharide-injected mice.     

Expression of aquaporins mRNAs in patients with otitis media

Objective: This study analyzed the associations between measured levels of aquaporin (AQP) mRNAs and clinical manifestations in patients with various types of otitis media (OM).

Methods: AQP1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10 mRNA levels were assayed by real-time PCR from 57 patients with chronic otitis media (COM), 24 patients with cholesteatomatous otitis media (choleOM), and 82 patients with otitis media with effusion (OME). The relationships of these mRNA levels with the presence of bacteria, the type of hearing loss, and clinical manifestations of OM types were evaluated.

Results: All eight AQP mRNAs were expressed in inflammatory tissue, chole matrix, and effusion fluid obtained from all 163 patients with OM. The levels in OME of AQP2, 4, 6, and 10 mRNA; and the levels in choleOM of AQP1, 3, 4, and 10 mRNA were elevated significantly compared to the corresponding levels in COM (p?p?Conclusions: The levels of expression of AQP mRNA are associated with the pathophysiology of OM.     

Cochlear Implantation in Patients with a History of Chronic Otitis Media

Objective —To propose management options for cochlear implantation in chronic otitis media based on our experiences.

Material and Methods —A retrospective review of 418 cochlear implantations performed by the 2 senior authors between November 1988 and February 2004 was conducted. Nine patients who had chronic otitis media in the ear to be implanted were included. Of these, three showed active inflammation at presentation; the other six cases had undergone previous tympanomastoidectomy surgery and did not show active inflammation at presentation.

Results —Five patients with active inflammation or without an adequate soft tissue layer in the mastoid bowl underwent a two-stage procedure. Four cases who showed inactive inflammation and had an adequate tissue layer to protect the electrode array underwent a single-stage technique, although two of them showed dry tympanic membrane perforation. No local or intracranial inflammation recurred. The electrode was exposed in the mastoid bowl in one case, who was managed with revisional mastoid obliteration with soft tissue.

Conclusion —Complete eradication of inflammation and the securing of a strong protective soft tissue layer over the electrode are prerequisites for cochlear implantation in ears with chronic otitis media.     

Tympanic membrane/middle ear pathologic correlates in chronic otitis media.

OBJECTIVE: To correlate pathologic findings of the tympanic membrane with pathologic changes in the middle ear cleft in chronic otitis media. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred-fifty temporal bones from 97 subjects with chronic otitis media (defined as middle ear pathologic changes including granulation tissue, fluid, cholesteatoma, cholesterol granuloma, tympanosclerosis, and ossicular changes) were selected to correlate the presence of these middle ear pathologies with histopathologic changes of the tympanic membrane. The tympanic membrane pathologies included perforation, myringosclerosis, retraction, hemorrhage, fluid-filled cystic spaces, or dilated vessels. Temporal bones were also assessed for atelectasis. Fifty-six normal temporal bones were taken as controls for measurements. RESULTS: Significant correlations between tympanic membrane and middle ear pathology included myringosclerosis and granulation tissue, myringosclerosis and ossicular pathology, retraction and cholesterol granuloma, retraction and cholesteatoma, retraction and ossicular pathology, perforation and ossicular pathology, and hemorrhage and granulation tissue. Additive effects of some pathologies were also observed. Almost half the bones with middle ear pathology had no associated tympanic membrane pathology, whereas multiple pathologic changes in the tympanic membrane generally showed underlying multiple pathologic changes in the middle ear. CONCLUSION: When tympanic membrane pathology is detected otoscopically, its presence, alone or in combination, can be a strong indicator of underlying middle ear pathology. However, a normal-appearing tympanic membrane does not exclude the possibility of middle ear pathology. These findings suggest the need for other diagnostic tools such as multifrequency tympanometry and otoacoustic emissions to complement otoscopy for diagnosis of middle ear pathology, especially in a tympanic membrane that appears "normal."     

Purulent otitis media in children and adults

This study was designed to compare tympanic membrane (TM) and middle ear (ME) pathologies of temporal bones from children and adults with purulent otitis media (POM). Thirty-four temporal bones were used from 22 subjects ages 2 days to 76 years with histopathologic evidence of POM. There were 55 age-matched controls. Histopathologic findings of the TM and ME in children and adults with POM were compared. Clinical histories and the presence of complications were recorded. The incidence of POM was more common in male children than in females. There was a significant increase in the thickness of the posterosuperior and posteroinferior quadrants in children with POM compared to non-OM children. In adults with POM, there was a significant decrease in the thickness of the posteroinferior and anteroinferior quadrants compared to non-OM adults. Children with POM showed a significant increase in the anterioinferior and posteroinferior quadrants and the umbo compared to adults with POM. Pathology of the TM and ME occurred in adults and children, but severity was greater in children. Residual mesenchyme was frequently observed in temporal bones of children. Serious complications such as labyrinthtis and meningitis were observed more frequently in children. All cases with meningitis had labyrinthitis, previous histories of otitis media and had been treated with antibiotics. Although POM occurs in both children and adults, pathologic changes of the middle ear are more severe, and complications (labyrinthitis and meningitis) occur more often in children. Our findings suggest the need to monitor children carefully under the age of 2 years who have POM. Received: 1 March 2001 / Accepted: 12 September 2001     

Bacterial biofilm in adenoids of children with chronic otitis media. Part I: a case control study of prevalence of biofilms in adenoids,risk factors and middle ear biofilms

Background: Biofilms are communities of bacteria embedded in a self-produced glycocalyx matrix. Adenoids have been shown to harbor bacterial biofilms.

Aim/objectives: To compare the prevalence of biofilms in adenoid of children with chronic otitis media (COM) (group1) versus a control group without any COM (group 2) having adenoids removed because of hypertrophy.

Material and methods: One hundred and three children were prospectively enrolled in this case-control study, group 1 (n?=?52) and group 2 (n?=?51). The main outcome measurement was the prevalence of biofilm in adenoidectomy specimens analyzed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Children in group 1 who had middle ear (ME) effusion and requiring the insertion of a tympanostomy tube underwent biopsy of the ME mucosa and effusion sampling.

Results: Biofilms were found in adenoids’ specimens of both groups and in the ME biopsy and effusion. The biofilm prevalence in adenoids was 63.5% (33/52) in group 1 and 47.1% (24/51) in group 2. Day nursery and previous antibiotics intake were significantly more frequent in group 1 than in group 2.

Conclusions and significance: This case-control study demonstrates that adenoid tissue in children with COM contains more mucosal biofilms than adenoid tissue removed for hypertrophy. Biofilm was seen in ME biopsies and effusion.     

The infant''s pre-tympanic region of the eustachian tube in health and disease

The size of the eustachian tube lumen of the pre-tympanic segment in infants and children from birth up to two years is presented. The material consisted of serially sectioned 28 eustachian tubes of normal temporal bones and 13 eustachian tubes of temporal bones harboring acute and secretory otitis media. The size of the eustachian tube lumen was measured with the aid of a millimetric grid mounted on a microscope. These measurements have shown that: (a) there is no increase in the lumen size of the pre-tympanic region of the auditory tube from birth to two years of age. (b) Each age group presents a considerable range in luminal size, compatible with a natural biological distribution. (c) No obstruction of the eustachian tube lumen was encountered in any of the pathological specimens. (d) There is no significant statistical difference between the lumen size of the pre-tympanic region coming from normal temporal bones as compared to those from temporal bones with acute or secretory otitis media.     

Tomographic evaluation of the contralateral ear in patients with severe chronic otitis media

Some studies indicate a bilateral tendency of chronic otitis media. It is believed that the contralateral ear can provide evidences of the route of formation of ear disease in the most affected, be a parameter of Eustachian tube function and predict successful treatment. The CT scan is an excellent test to evaluate the structures of the temporal bone and the changes resulting from otitis media.ObjectiveTo evaluate Temporal Bone Computed Tomography of patients with chronic otitis media and describe abnormalities in the contralateral ear.MethodCross-sectional study. Evaluation of CT scans of 75 patients with chronic otitis media from a tertiary referral hospital in Brazil by a neuroradiologist.ResultsPopulation was consisted of 50.6% males with a mean age of 36 years. We found 54.7% of changes in contralateral ear clearly associated with chronic otitis media.ConclusionThe prevalence of radiographic changes in the contralateral ears of patients with chronic otitis media corroborates with clinical, histopathological and functional resources developed by the same group that this disease has a bilateral feature.     

Distortion product otoacoustic emission together with tympanometry for assessing otitis media with effusion in children

Objective: To investigate the diagnostic value of distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) together with tympanometry in assessing otitis media with effusion in children.

Methods: Three hundred and thirty-nine patients, who were diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and prepared to undergo adenotonsillectomy and had a unilateral or bilateral type ‘B’ or ‘C’ tympanogram were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into the following four groups: Group 1, type ‘B’ tympanogram with positive DPOAE; Group 2, type ‘B’ tympanogram with negative DPOAE; Group 3, type ‘C’ tympanogram with positive DPOAE and Group 4, type ‘C’ tympanogram with negative DPOAE.

Results: Tympanometry showed a type ‘B’ pattern in 467 ears and type ‘C’ pattern in 163 ears. Among 163 ears with type ‘C’ tympanogram, negative DPOAE results were seen in 96 ears. Group 4 (56/96) had a significant high rate of middle ear effusion than Group 3 (14/67) (p?Conclusions: DPOAE could be a great help in screening for middle ear effusion in patients with a type ‘C’ tympanogram.     

The effect of the leukotriene antagonist pranlukast on pediatric acute otitis media

ObjectiveConventional treatment for acute otitis media mainly targets bacteria with antibiotics, neglecting to control for mediators of inflammation. Mediators of inflammation, such as leukotrienes, have been identified in patients with acute otitis media (AOM) or subsequent secretory otitis media (SOM). They can cause functional eustachian tube dysfunction or increase mucous in the middle ear, causing persistent SOM following AOM. The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether or not administration of pranlukast, a widely used leukotriene C4, D4, and E4 antagonist, together with antibiotics could inhibit the progression to SOM.MethodsChildren with AOM, who were from two to 12 years old, were randomly divided into two groups as follows: a control group in which 50 patients received antibiotic-based conventional treatment according to guidelines for treating AOM proposed by the Japan Otological Society (version 2006); and a pranlukast group, in which 52 patients were administered pranlukast for up to 28 days as well as given conventional treatment. Cases were regarded as persistent SOM when a tympanogram was type B or C2 four weeks after treatment was initiated.ResultsTwo patients in the pranlukast group and 3 patients in the control group were excluded because they relapsed AOM within 28 days after initial treatment. Therefore, the analysis included 50 and 47 subjects in the pranlukast and control groups, respectively. The percentage of patients diagnosed with persistent SOM (22.0%) was significantly smaller in the pranlukast group compared with the control group (44.7%) (p = 0.018, chi-squared test).ConclusionThe results indicate that combined treatment of AOM with antibiotics and a leukotriene antagonist to control inflammation is useful for preventing progression to persistent SOM.     

Surgical results of modified canal wall down tympanoplasty

Conclusion: Patients with mastoiditis and chronic suppurative otitis media which has small mastoids that make them ideal candidates for modified canal wall down mastoidectomy (MCWD) which contributes to a dry and spacious ear and the maintaining and improving hearing.

Objectives: To evaluate surgical outcomes for chronic otitis media underwent MCWD.

Methods: A clinical retrospective study was performed on 47 ears with chronic otitis media which has relatively limited attic lesions have the small, sclerotic and hypocellular mastoids according to the preoperative high-resolution CT scan of the temporal bone that underwent MCWD and 32 ears with typical canal wall down operation form January 2010 to January 2016.

Results: In the MCWD group, the mean preoperative air conduction (AC) threshold of 38.2?±?1.1?dB was lowered to 31.0?±?0.8?dB postoperatively (p?p?p?p?相似文献   

Randomized clinical trial to evaluate the outcome of partial canal wall preserved tympanomastoidectomy

Background: The main surgical techniques for the treatment of chronic otitis media so far, all have their characteristic advantages and disadvantages. Otolaryngologists have been trying to find an ideal surgical method for chronic otitis media.

Objective: To study and evaluate the outcome of partial canal wall preserved tympanomastoidectomy (PCM) for the treatment of chronic otitis media.

Methods: Thirty-nine patients were randomly divided into two groups. Twenty patients underwent PCM and 19 underwent canal wall down tympanomastoidectomy (CWD). All patients had a follow-up period of 5 years.

Results: The mean time of healing was 6 weeks in the PCM group and 8 weeks in the CWD group. The cavities in the PCM group were normal or slightly larger than the normal external auditory canal. The patients required cavity cleaning less than once per year in the PCM group and 3–4 times per year in the CWD group. One patient in the PCM group developed a recurrent cholesteatoma located in the attic.

Conclusion: The PCM technique showed a low-recurrence rate and good hearing outcomes. Patients had normal or slightly enlarged postoperative external auditory canal. Therefore, PCM is a useful technique for chronic otitis media.     

Mastoid size and otitis media with effusion: Question of correlation

Objectives/Hypothesis: To determine the incidence of otitis media (OME) with effusion on histologic examination in temporal bones with mastoid cavities reduced by the fenestration procedure for otosclerosis. Study Design: Temporal bone histologic study. Methods: Light-microscopic examination of serially sectioned temporal bones. Results: The incidence of otitis media with effusion in temporal bones with prior fenestration operation was not any more frequent than the control group of temporal bones with surgically unaltered mastoid cavity. Conclusions: There is no increased incidence of otitis media with effusion in temporal bones with prior fenestration operation.     

Comparative prevalence of otitis media in children living in urban slums,non-slum urban and rural areas of Delhi

PurposeThe study aimed to determine the prevalence and profile of otitis media in different parts of a city, i.e. non-slum urban areas, urban slums and rural areas.MethodologyA door to door survey was conducted in identified areas of Delhi. A total of 3000 children (0–15 years) were randomly selected and examined for presence of otitis media. These children were equally distributed in the three areas under consideration. Data was analyzed to establish the prevalence of different types of otitis media. Chi-square test was then applied to compare disease prevalence among the three areas.Results7.1% of the study population was identified with otitis media, which includes CSOM (4.26%), OME (2.5%) and ASOM (0.4%). In the non-slum urban parts of the city, 4.6% children had otitis media. This was significantly lower compared to 7% children in rural parts of Delhi and 9.9% in urban slums of the city. The prevalence of CSOM was considerably higher in slum areas (7.2%) as compared with rural (3%) and non-slum urban areas (2.6%).ConclusionEar infections are significantly more common in urban slums as compared to non-slum city areas and rural parts of Delhi.