PO₂ in Middle Ear Effusion and Eustachian Tube Function

Abstract

We measured PO₂ in the middle ear effusion (MEE) of patients with mucoid otitis media with effusion (M-OME), serous otitis media with effusion (S-OME) and middle ear barotrauma (MEBT). The mean value of PO₂ were 23.3 mmHg in MOME,27.4 mmHg in S-OME and 38.2 mmHg in MEBT.
The PO₂ value in middle ear air depends on t h e ventilatory function of Eustachian tube. When the ventilatory function of Eustachian tube is highly impaired,O₂ tension in the middle ear air depends on the condition of middle ear mucosa. When the middle ear cavity has abnormal mucosa, there is no O₂ exchange between the middle ear mucosa and middle ear air. The Eustachian tube function is highly impaired in OME, but slightly in MEBT, so the PO₂ value is low in M-OME, but relatively high in MEBT.