Role of Narrow-band Imaging in Visualizing the Vascularity of Tympanic Membrane in Otitis Media Using Vascular Otoendoscopy Score: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Introduction: The victorious healing of the tympanic membrane (TM) primarily depends upon the adequate blood supply to the affected part of the TM. Magnifying narrow-band imaging (NBI) is a new technique used to improve the visualization of the vascularity status of perforated TM. However, search of peer-reviewed Indian literature revealed a lack of consensus on this. To improve the understanding of this subject in this study, magnifying NBI and conventional white light were compared using Vascular Otoendoscopy Score (VOS) which is a subjective scoring system used for evaluation of the degree of vascularization. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted using NBI and white light videoendoscopy to visualize TM vascularity in 100 otitis media (OM) and 100 normal TMs. Grading of vascularity was done using VOS in both arms and compared. Results: Our study revealed a score of 1.4 ± 0.71 on white light and 1.72 ± 0.45 on NBI as a reference in cases with OM and a score of 1.68 ± 0.46 on white light and 1.96 ± 0.19 on NBI can be taken as a reference for a normal TM. Conclusion: NBI has the advantage of better visualization of the vascularity status of TM and thus can potentially complement the white light examination for the prediction of better surgical outcomes.