咽鼓管薄层断面与磁共振成像对照研究

目的研究咽鼓管和毗邻结构的断面形态及相互解剖关系,为临床影像学诊断提供解剖学依据.方法利用生物塑化技术,将9侧咽鼓管区及相邻结构制成三个平面(横断、冠状位及矢状位)的薄层断层标本,并与磁共振成像(MRI)对照,观察咽鼓管及毗邻结构在各方位的走行与解剖关系.结果在横断、冠状断面上可较好显示咽鼓管的正常解剖结构及毗邻关系,咽鼓管纤维软骨位于咽鼓管后内侧,其上缘向外弯曲形成软骨部的顶.咽鼓管咽筋膜封闭咽鼓管前外侧并向下延伸构成咽鼓管的下壁.腭帆张肌位于咽鼓管前外侧,腭帆提肌位于其外后下方.粘膜下筋膜位于腭帆提肌的内侧,咽颅底筋膜走行于腭帆张肌和腭帆提肌之间,Weber-Liel筋膜位于腭帆张肌外侧.结论MRI可较好显示咽鼓管软骨部及其肌肉、筋膜;应用塑化薄层断面可直接与MRI扫描图像进行对照研究,对鼻咽区病变的影像诊断具有重要参考价值.     

Functional evaluation of paratubal muscles using electromyography in patients with chronic unilateral tubal dysfunction

Eustachian tube dysfunction is closely related to the development of otitis media and result from several factors including inflammation within the nasal cavity and nasopharynx, adenoid hypertrophy, cleft palate and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. To some extent, eustachian tube dysfunction may be related to weakness of the paratubal muscles, such as the tensor veli palatini and levator veli palatini muscles. The aim of the study is to find out myogenic factors in eustachian tube dysfunction using electromyography (EMG), and to evaluate the clinical feasibility of EMG. Ten patients with unilateral eustachian tube dysfunction were included in this study. The healthy side of each patient was used as a control. EMG tests on paratubal muscles were conducted under the view of a 30° endoscope or fiberoptic laryngoscope. EMG on the tensor veli palatini showed decreased amplitudes on the affected side in one patient during phonation. EMG on the levator veli palatini showed decreased amplitudes on the affected side in two patients during both deglutition and phonation, one patient during phonation only, and two patients during deglutition only. The only patient who had decreased amplitude on EMG of the tensor veli palatini also had decreased amplitude on EMG of the levator veli palatini. In conclusion, although it is generally accepted that the tensor veli palatini plays a major role in opening the eustachian tube, reduced activity of the levator veli palatini may be related to eustachian tube dysfunction. When assessing eustachian tube function, EMG is useful for evaluating myogenic factors.     

Magnetic resonance imaging around the eustachian tube

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the eustachian tube, the nasopharynx, and the middle ear was performed in normal subjects and patients with ear diseases. In normal subjects, the high soft tissue contrast resolution of MRI gave a clearer view of nasopharyngeal structures compared to roentgenologic examinations including computed tomography (CT). Several cases of nasopharyngeal pathology are also presented. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma was excellently depicted, and its margin was clearly visualized. Tumor involvement of the eustachian tube and accompanying otitis media with effusion were clearly visualized. In a patient with submucous cleft palate, abnormal arrangement of levator veli palatini muscles and possible deformity of the eustachian tube cartilage were found. Magnetic resonance imaging is expected to become a valuable tool for the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal and middle ear diseases.     

鼻咽癌初诊患者中耳功能的相关多因素量化分析

目的：探索量化和客观评价鼻咽癌初诊患者的中耳功能的方法,采用多因素及量化的方法分析其影响因素。方法：对320例（320耳）鼻咽癌初诊患者行电耳镜、声导抗检测、纯音听阈测试、鼻咽部及中耳CT或MRI扫描、咽鼓管功能检查、电子鼻咽镜检查,量化评估中耳功能;采用SPSS13．0进行单因素及多因素分析。结果：T分期、临床分期、肿物部位、扩散类型、形态、咽鼓管功能及咽口形态、影像学侵犯范围（鼻腔、颅底、咽隐窝、咽旁间隙、腭帆张肌、腭帆提肌）是影响鼻咽癌初诊患者的中耳功能单因素,而性别、年龄、病理类型、N分期、M分期对鼻咽癌初诊患者中耳功能无影响;多因素分析显示：T分期、肿物部位、咽鼓管功能、腭帆张肌侵犯、颅底侵犯是影响鼻咽癌初诊患者中耳功能的独立因素。结论：鼻咽癌初诊患者的中耳功能受T分期、肿物部位、咽鼓管功能、腭帆张肌侵犯、颅底侵犯等相关因素影响,本研究探讨的中耳量化标准能较为客观地评估鼻咽癌初诊患者的中耳功能。     

Motor innervation of the eustachian tube muscles in the guinea pig

The brainstem location of motoneurons innervating eustachian tube-associated muscles in the adult guinea pig was determined using intramuscular injections of the neural tracer horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Following HRP injections into the tensor veli palatini and the eustachian tube belly of the medial pterygoid muscle, an ipsilateral column of HRP-labeled motoneurons was present medial to the dorsolateral division of the trigeminal motor nucleus. Following HRP injection into the levator veli palatini, labeled motoneurons were present in the ipsilateral dorsal division of nucleus ambiguus. The locations of the tensor veli palatini and levator veli palatini motoneurons are similar to those found in studies of other animals. A distinct eustachian tube belly of the medial pterygoid muscle was also identified. This sub-belly had a motoneuron pool distinct from the main medial pterygoid muscle group. The authors have provided the gross anatomical and neuroanatomical substrates upon which future studies of eustachian tube function in the guinea pig may be based.     

Three-dimensional computer graphics of the eustachian tube

Images of the eustachian tube from various directions were obtained using computer graphics. Serial cross sections of a human temporal bone specimen including the eustachian tube were digitized for reconstruction. Wire-frame models of the structures such as the eustachian tube lumen, the tubal cartilage, the tensor veli palatini muscle, and the levator veli palatini muscle were drawn. Through observation of the eustachian tube from various directions with the tubal muscles attached or detached, the physiology of the eustachian tube system could be understood more clearly.     

Age-related morphologic differences in the components of the eustachian tube/middle ear system

The current study utilized a three-dimensional computer graphics technique to analyze the size, shape, and positional associations of the eustachian tube (ET) cartilage and lumen, the levator veli palatini (LVP) muscle, and the tensor veli palatini (TVP) muscle. Older specimens 7 years and above (n = 13) were compared to young specimens less than 7 years (n = 4). Our results suggest that changes in ET function associated with age could result from size and shape differences in the ET cartilage and changes in the position of the LVP and TVP muscles.     

鼻咽癌患者放疗前后并发分泌性中耳炎的临床观察

目的 分析鼻咽癌患者放疗前后分泌性中耳炎（secretory oddsmedia，SOM）的发病情况，以探讨鼻咽癌放疗前后并发分泌性中耳炎的发病机制。方法 选取1999年7月-2000年11月在中山大学附属第二医院确诊为鼻咽癌并接受放疗的58例患者，将其放疗前、放疗中、放疗结束时、放疗后3个月、6个月、9个月、一年时并发SOM的情况进行分析和统计。结果 58例患者放疗前有33例并发分泌性中耳炎，其中双耳8例；放疗后分泌性中耳炎的患者44例，其中双耳18例。放疗前后均未发生分泌性中耳炎者14例。鼻咽癌患者各个T分期（除T3外）放疗后合并分泌性中耳炎的发生率显著增加，差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01），即随放疗后时间延长有逐渐增加的趋势。放疗后3个月动态变化最大，放疗后6个月-1年分泌性中耳炎发病较平稳。结论 鼻咽癌患者鼻咽部机械性阻塞、腭帆张肌功能异常、咽鼓管功能不良和咽鼓管位置异常是放疗前合并分泌性中耳炎的重要原因；放疗后合并分泌性中耳炎的机制是多因素的。     

Eustachian tube patency detected by a photoelectric method

A method was developed to observe tubal orifice movement by fiberscope and detect patency of the eustachian tube by a photoelectric device (phototubometry). A highly sensitive photodiode in the external ear canal detected tube opening as increased luminosity in the tympanic cavity from a light source placed at the pharyngeal portion of the eustachian tube. The phototubometric record was superimposed on a TV screen to compare the opening in the pharyngeal portion of the eustachian tube to the tube opening during swallowing. The phototubometric records of 21 normal subjects examined by phototubometry showed the close relationship with the opened tubal lumen at the tensor veli palatini muscle (TVP) attached portion. This method is useful for examining tubal patency and observing changes in the pharyngeal portion of the eustachian tube.     

Analysis of eustachian tube function by video endoscopy

OBJECTIVE: Human eustachian tubes (ET) were inspected in vivo endoscopically, and video recordings were made for careful slow-motion analysis of normal physiologic function. SETTING: Ambulatory office in a tertiary referral center. SUBJECTS: Thirty-four adults, 17 with no history of ET dysfunction (2 of whom had tympanic membrane perforations), 17 with known ET dysfunction. INTERVENTIONS: Transnasal endoscopic examination of the nasopharyngeal opening of the eustachian tube during rest, swallowing, and yawning. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Video analysis of ET opening movements. RESULTS: Normal ETs had four consistent sequential movements: (1) palatal elevation causing passive, then active, rotation of the medial cartilaginous lamina; (2) lateral excursion of the lateral pharyngeal wall; (3) dilation of the lumen, caused primarily by tensor veli palatini muscle movement beginning distally and inferiorly, then opening proximally and superiorly; and (4) opening of the tubal valve at the isthmus caused by dilator tubae muscle contraction. Dysfunctional ETs had intraluminal edema, polyps, or minimal muscle movement. CONCLUSIONS: Slow-motion endoscopic video analysis may be a useful new technique for the study of eustachian tube physiology. Consistent muscle movement patterns were demonstrated in normal subjects but were absent in abnormal subjects. More studies of normal and abnormal patterns are needed to establish useful clinical correlates.     

Successful treatment of autophonia with botulinum toxin: case report

OBJECTIVES: We sought to treat autophonia due to a patulous eustachian tube using botulinum toxin. METHODS: Because we assumed that the patulous eustachian tube was caused by abnormal activity of paratubal muscles (tensor and levator veli palatini muscles and salpingopharyngeus muscle), paralysis was performed via injection of botulinum toxin type A in a 45-year-old female professional musician who had had chronic unilateral autophonia for 20 years. In addition to a patient interview, an endoscopic examination of the nasopharynx (posterior rhinoscopy), ear microscopy, and impedance audiometry were performed to verify the diagnosis and the outcome after treatment. RESULTS: The autophonia disappeared 1 week after treatment. Normalized tympanic ventilation was verified by impedance audiometry after 8 weeks. The period of symptom relief was 9 months. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of botulinum toxin type A provides a new option in the treatment of patulous eustachian tube. The reliability of this method and the effect of repeated injections remains to be proved in future studies.     

Appearance of effusion material in the attic space correlated to an impaired Eustachian tube function

In adult Sprague-Dawley rats a dysfunction or a total blockade of the Eustachian tube was established by various experimental procedures. The appearance of effusion material in the attic was subsequently considered to be evidence of incomplete ventilation of the middle ear cavity. Though the salpingopharyngeus muscle (SPM) seemed to be the muscle which could open the Eustachian tube maximally, splitting of the soft palate and consequent interference with the tensor veli palatini muscle (TVPM) and the levator veli palatini muscle (LVPM)--but obviously not with the salpingopharyngeus muscle (SPM)--caused the effusion material to be produced in the middle ear cavity. Neither blockade by about 80% of the tympanal orifice nor severing of the tendon of the tensor tympani muscle (TTM) close to the malleus produced any signs of effusion material whatsoever. Our findings strongly suggest that the most important part of the Eustachian tube, as regards ventilation, is the nasopharyngeal portion, as a normally functioning TVPM and LVPM seems to be an absolute prerequisite to prevent effusion material from developing in the attic.     

Eustachian tube-Tensor veli palatini muscle-cranial base relationships in children and adults: An osteological study

Objective

The vector relationships between the Eustachian tube, Tensor veli palatini muscle and cranial base constrain the efficiency of middle ear pressure-regulation and are required parameters for computational modeling of Eustachian tube function. Here, those relationships were reconstructed from skulls and compared between children and adults.

Method

Reconstructions were made using modifications of previously described techniques for 18 child skulls aged 3-4 years and 20 adult skulls (10 females, 10 males; >18 years). Measured and calculated variables were compared between groups using a Student's t-test.

Results

Consistent with previous reports, certain variables for adult skulls exhibited sexual dimorphism. Between children and adults, significant differences were documented for measures of cranial base length and width; hard palate width; nasopharyngeal height, width and depth; Eustachian tube length; the maximum and minimum Tensor veli palatini muscle lengths; the angles of deviation of the Tensor veli palatini muscle from the Eustachian tube, and the surface area of the Tensor veli palatini muscle. There were no between-group differences in the angle of Eustachian tube decent from the cranial base, Eustachian tube deviation from the parasagittal plane or the lateral component of the Tensor veli palatine muscle-Eustachian tube angle.

Conclusions

The differences between children and adults that could account for the observed poorer Eustachian tube function in children include their shorter Eustachian tube, lesser Tensor veli palatine muscle-Eustachian tube vectors, and the lesser Tensor veli palatine muscle surface area. Other observed differences are attributable to growth and development of the craniofacial complex.     

Objective tubal tinnitus: a report of two cases

Two patients with objective tinnitus due to continuous tubal opening are presented. The objective tubal tinnitus was found to be due to clonic spasm of the muscles of the pharynx and eustachian tube and it can be easily differentiated by means of sonotubometry alone. The acoustic events occurring during the clicking sound were analyzed and were similar to the swallowing sound. Movements of the tympanic membrane were not seen in any of these ears. However, the close relationship of the tensor tympani and tensor palati muscles could explain the movement of the tympanic membrane in some cases. I believe that stapedius muscle spasm or a patulous tube as such does not cause the clicking sound, but it can occur in association with palatal myoclonus. The objective tubal tinnitus is heard as a result of the walls of the eustachian tube snapping together. Transection of the tensor veli palatini muscle tendon may be a useful method of treatment if the patient experiences objective tinnitus which is very distressing.     

Clinical study of otological manifestations in cases of cleft palate

Cleft palate (with or without cleft lip) occurs in about 1: 750–1: 2000 births in different societies in the world. Cleft palate individuals have a greater incidence of hearing loss than the general population. The primary cause of the ear problem in cleft patients is eustachian tube dysfunction. The cause for which is abnormal insertion of levator veli palatini and tensor veli palatini muscles into the posterior margin of the hard palate and the palatal aponeurosis and associated muscular hypoplasia.     

不同电离辐射剂量对新西兰兔咽鼓管早期影响

目的 利用新西兰兔研究鼻咽癌放疗早期不同电离辐射剂量对咽鼓管的形态学损伤.方法 72只健康新西兰兔,随机分成4组（18只/组）.A组（对照组）,B组(30 Gy/次×1次),C组（10 Gy/次×3次,1次/周）,D组（10 Gy/次×6次,1次/周）.达到放疗总剂量后的第1天、1周、2周、4周、8周、12周各组随机取...     

Rat eustachian tube and its musculature

The objective of this study was to evaluate the anatomy of the eustachian tube (ET) of the rat and the paratubal musculature. Microdissection and serial sections were used. The ET consists of collapsible membranous and membranocartilaginous segments and a noncollapsible bony segment. Tubal muscles are attached to the collapsible part; the salpingopharyngeus muscle (SPM) is well developed and consists of 3 distinct groups of muscle fibers; the tensor veli palatini muscle (TVPM) consists of 2 functionally different groups of fibers, but only 1 group assists in opening the ET. Attachment of the fibers of the SPM and TVPM that are involved in tubal opening is confined to the dorsal portion of the ET. This finding, together with the earlier observation that this part is mainly lined by squamous epithelium, strongly suggests that the dorsal part has a ventilatory function. The ventral portion of the ET, which is lined by ciliated-secretory epithelium and lacks the attachment of muscle fibers that can dilate the lumen, is assumed to serve clearance. The anatomic position of the levator veli palatini muscle suggests that this muscle contributes to the protective function of the ET. These findings are discussed with regard to the ET in humans.     

27例鼻咽癌患者合并分泌性中耳炎的临床分析

目的探讨鼻咽癌患者放疗前后分泌性中耳炎的临床特点及治疗措施。方法回顾性分析2003年一2006年我院经治的27例鼻咽癌患者,将其放疗前、放疗后的情况进行回顾分析。21例（32耳）中耳炎患者被分为鼓膜穿刺组与鼓膜置管组。结果27例患者放疗前有14例（17耳）并发分泌性中耳炎,放疗后分泌性中耳炎的患者增至21例（32耳）,双耳发病11例,6例未发生分泌性中耳炎。鼓膜穿刺组12例（19耳）,显效率为78.9％（15／19）,1例患者发展为慢性化脓性中耳炎;置管组9例（13耳）,有5例（7耳）疗效显著,显效率为54％（7／13）,有2例患者鼓膜穿孔。MRI检查显示,21例分泌性中耳炎患者中,19例有明显咽鼓管挤压和腭帆张肌肿胀。结论MRI检查有助于鼻咽癌患者放疗前后并发分泌性中耳炎的评估;鼓膜穿刺抽吸是治疗鼻咽癌并发分泌性中耳炎的有效和实用的措施。     

Clearance of the eustachian tube under negative middle ear pressure

The influence of negative middle ear pressure on clearance function of the eustachian tube was examined in cats. In experiment 1, mucociliary clearance of a colored fluid through the eustachian tube was examined under negative middle ear pressure. The results showed that negative pressure affects mucociliary clearance only at quite high levels. In experiment 2, muscular clearance of fluid under negative middle ear pressure was investigated during electrical stimulation of the tensor veli palatini muscle. It was found that massive discharge of fluid by the muscle activity occurs only when the negative middle ear pressure was low. For massive discharge of effusion, muscular clearance is more effective than ciliary clearance. The findings suggest that it is clinically important to maintain middle ear ventilation.     

Histopathologic study of the human eustachian tube and its surrounding structures following irradiation for carcinoma of the oropharynx

OBJECTIVE: To describe a histopathologic analysis of a human temporal bone demonstrating patulous changes of the eustachian tube (ET) and its surrounding structures following radiation therapy. DESIGN: Retrospective histopathologic case review and comparison with an age-matched control. SETTING: Elizabeth McCullough Knowles Otopathology Laboratory, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pa. RESULTS: A widened patulous ET was verified by demonstrating fibrous tissue replacement of the surrounding supporting structures related to the ET. The ET lumen was patulous and wider than the control case. Ostmann fatty tissue, the levator veli palatini muscle, and submucosal glands around the ET cartilage were replaced by dense connective tissue. CONCLUSION: This is the first histopathologic report, to our knowledge, demonstrating the effects on the ET lumen and supporting structures following acute weight loss, possible tumor infiltration, and radiation changes for carcinoma of the oropharynx.