유스타키를 이용한 이관기능 평가의 유용성

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Since Eustachian tube (ET) plays an important role in the development of middle ear disease, evaluating the function of ET is important. Valsalva maneuver is frequently used, but does not reflect the physiological function. Inflation-deflation test assess both active and passive function of the ET, so it can reflect the physiological function. In our clinic, we use device named EustachiTM to evaluate ET. In this study, we evaluated ET in patients with perforated eardrums using Valsalva maneuver, inflation-deflation test and Eustachi to evaluate the efficacy of Eustachi in assessing ET function. Materials and Methods: 51 dry perforated eardrums were selected. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to the result of the inflation-deflation test; Type A, ET opens in both positive and negative pressure; Type B, ET opens in either positive or negative pressure; Type C, ET dose not open in neither positive nor negative pressure. All patients performed Valsalva maneuver and Eustachi application. Techniques were statistically analyzed and compared. Results: When analyzing whether Valsalva was possible according to the type of inflation-deflation test, there were statistical differences when comparing type A, B and type A, C (p=0.000, 0.024). There was no statistical difference between type B and C (p=1.000). When analyzing the result of Eustachi according to the type of inflation-deflation test, there was no statistical difference between type A and B (p=1.000), while there were statistical differences when comparing type A, C and type B, C (p=0.048, 0.030). Conclusions: Compared with the results of inflation-deflation test, Eustachi can evaluate ET more physiologically than Valsalva maneuver. (J Clinical Otolaryngol 2021;32:40-46)