Imaging of the patulous Eustachian tube: high-resolution CT evaluation with multiplanar reconstruction technique

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the 3D anatomy of the ET and its surrounding tissues in cases with or without patulous Eustachian tube (ET) using CT with the multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty patients with a patulous ET and 25 without middle ear problems were investigated. After performing a temporal bone CT examination, MPR images of the ET were reconstructed and measurements were made. RESULTS: The ET lumen and its surrounding tissues were clearly identified. In the patulous ET group, the ET lumen was open throughout the cartilaginous portion and the volume of the low-density area was smaller in size than in the controls. In unilateral patulous ET patients, the anatomical features were found to be similar on both sides, in spite of the fact that the non-involved side did not show symptoms associated with a patulous ET. CONCLUSION: For the first time, we were able to obtain clear reconstructed images of the patulous ET and its surrounding structure and to study its anatomical features. This method is useful for obtaining a better understanding of the ET and ET-related diseases such as patulous ET.