Cephalometric assessment of Eustachian tube parameters in Down syndrome and chronic otitis media

Abstract

Aim: In this study, cephalometric assessment of Eustachian tube parameters (linear and angular) in Down syndrome (DS) and chronic otitis media (COM), and their comparison with those of normal group were done. In DS, COM, and normal groups, the Eustachian tube length (ET length), total cranial base (TCB), posterior upper facial height (PUFH), maxillary depth (MD), sella-basion (s-ba) to palatal line (s-ba to PL), and s-ba to ET length were evaluated. Materials and Methods: The study comprised 75 subjects of both sexes in the age range of 7-20 years. Digital lateral cephalometry was performed for DS (n = 25), COM (n = 25), and controls (n = 25). Results: In the present study, the ET length, TCB, PUFH, and MD were found to be significantly reduced in the DS as compared to the COM and normal groups. s-ba to PL and s-ba to ET were significantly reduced. Conclusion: Craniofacial malformations and associated disability of DS warrants further research. Aberration in the dimension of the region of the ET can be considered as a predisposing factor for COM in DS. Assessment of ET-related parameters in COM and DS is essential in gauging the functional disability and planning measures to treat the same.