Otitis media with effusion in adults with patulous Eustachian tube

Abstract

Objective: To study the association between patulous Eustachian tube (PET) and otitis media with effusion (OME) in adults with a history of OME. Methods: Adult patients with OME (161 adults, 217 ears) were reviewed. Patients with OME were divided into two groups: PET-associated group with a history of PET before onset of OME (29 adults, 45 ears); and non-PET group (132 adults, 172 ears). Comparisons were made between the two groups regarding age, duration of OME, affected side, and type of effusion. Additional comparisons were made regarding the incidence of comorbidities, such as upper respiratory infection, allergies, gastroesophageal reflux, and sniffing. Results: The incidence of morbidity due to PET in patients with OME (18%, 29/161) was higher than that in the normal population as reported previously (0.01%). Patients in the PET-associated group were older, had a shorter duration of disease, and were more likely to present with OME in bilateral ears than those in the non-PET group. The PET-associated group also showed comorbidities, such as gastroesophageal reflux and allergies. Conclusions: PET may play an important role in the pathogenesis of adult OME. The prognosis of OME in patients with PET is better than that in those with OME without PET.