CHRONIC OTITIS MEDIA-EVALUATION OF THE CONTRALATERAL EAR

Material and Methods: A retrospective medical chart review of subjects which were diagnosed and surgically treated for COM. This study was undertaken the dates between 2003 and 2009. All subjects were evaluated for the presence of CLE changes. In addition, according to the pathologic examination subjects were also divided either chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma (CCOM-group A) or chronic otitis media without cholesteatoma (NCCOM-group B). Otomicroscopic and Computerized Tomography (CT) findings of CLE for each group were noted and compared.

Results: Stage 1-2 and Stage 3-4 pars tensa retraction, Stage 1-2 and Stage 3-4 pars flaccida retraction and presence of cholesteatoma were found statistically significant high in the group A (p=0.005, p=0.129 p=0.004, p=0.001, p=0.029 respectively). In contrast perforation of the CLE ear was statistically significant high in group B (p=0.001).

When compared the CT findings, soft tissue in the tympanic cavity, soft tissue in the mastoid cavity, ossicular chain defect, scutum erosion were found statistically significant high in the group A (p=0.001, p=0.001, p=0.001, p=0.001 respectively). Poor mastoid pneumatization did not differ between the groups (p=0.642) but normal CLE findings were found statistically significant high in the group B (p=0.012).

Conclusion: Although some limitations exists, the results indicate that both ears will be regarded as pairs and disease in one ear, especially cholesteatoma, will be indicative for close follow up of contralateral ear. Keywords : Chronic otitis media, cholesteatoma, contralateral ear