EUSTACHIAN TUBE FUNCTION IN CASES WITH NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMA

Abstract

To investigate the pathogenesis of otitis media with effusion (OME) in cases with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), ventilation and clearance function of the Eustachian tube was examined in 60 cases (113 ears) of NPC with or without OME.
The results were as follows:
1) Active tubal opening, especially negative pressure equalization function, was most impaired both in the ears with OME and without OME, whereas passive opening of the tube remained almost normal.
2) Clearance of the Eustachian tube was impaired only in the ears with OME. Thus, it was revealed that poor active tubal opening was an important etiologic factor for development of OME in NPC, and it was suspected that inflammatory factor is necessary to production of middle ear effusion in addition to such tubal dysfunction.