Patulous Eustachian Tube

Summary:  View help for Summary Purpose: The aim of our study was to describe the diagnostic performances of tubomanometry (TMM) and to determine tubomanometric parameter thresholds for the diagnosis of patulous eustachian tube (PET). Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective, monocentric study, including patients treated for PET vs control group. We collected epidemiologic and clinical data, adjusted opening latency index (“R” index), rhinopharyngeal pressure threshold of tubal opening (Po) and velar contraction index (IVC) on TMM. ROC-curves were used for determination of R-index and Po thresholds. Results: Twenty-one patients (26 patulous ears) and 14 controls were included. The R-index values and Po-values were significantly lower in the PET group versus controls (0.46 vs 0.80, respectively; p < 0.05 for R index and 13.89 vs 26.42 mbar, respectively; p < 0.05 for Po). No significant difference was reported between the two groups on IVC measuring (p = 0.784). After ROC-curve analysis, R-index is the most discriminating factor to classify PET patients with 89% specificity and 76% sensitivity with a threshold ≤0.6. Po value ≤10 mbar could support this diagnosis with more than 83% specificity. Conclusion: TMM is a reliable non-invasive method for positive diagnosis of PET. TMM could provide an accurate positive PET diagnosis and an objective evaluation for PET management.