Abstract
To clarify the possible pathological conditions of cartilaginous portion of the Eustachian tube (ET) and its surrounding tissues. Retrospective review. Twenty-five normal subjects (control group) and 25 patients with patulous ET (patulous group). We reconstructed cross-sectional 3 Tesla magnetic resonance (MR) images using the multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) technique. Cross-section area widths that were measured included the following: 1) inferior head of lateral pterygoid muscle (PM); 2) pterygoid venous plexus (PVP); 3) medial soft tissues of ET, including ET cartilage; and 4) maximum cross-sectional area of high intensity surrounding the medial ET lumen. A statistically significant difference was found in the thickness of the inferior head of the lateral PM between male and female; it was thicker in the male participants. Ostmann's fatty tissue (OF) was significantly smaller in the patulous ET group. Smaller size of the surrounding tissues of the ET, viz., the OF, may contribute to the pathogenesis of patulous ET.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Otology & neurotology : official publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [and] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
