Optical absorbance of the tympanic membrane in rat and human samples.

Chronic infections are often connected to biofilm formation. In presence of implants, this can lead to loss of the implant. Systemic or local application of drugs is relatively ineffective in case of biofilm formation. One technique to provide antibacterial properties on demand is the antibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT). Using this technique, these properties can be "switched on" by light illumination. In the middle ear with the semitransparent tympanic membrane, it might be possible in future to activate the antibacterial effect without opening the membrane. Therefore, we investigated the optical absorbance spectra of the tympanic membrane. Optical absorbance spectra were measured in ex vivo preparations from neonatal and adult rats with the membrane still being attached to the surrounding bony ring and four human samples. After performing area scans, the spot with the lowest absorbance being surrounded by a ring like structure with higher absorbance was chosen as region of interest for scanning wavelengths between 300 and 900 nm. Absorbance is generally higher at lower wavelengths with a local absorbance maximum at 420 nm and a weak second maximum with two neighbouring peaks at 540 / 580 nm and is significantly higher in adult rats compared to neonatal rats where about 10% of light was transmitted. The human samples show similar characteristics with a little higher absorbance. For activation of aPDT through the tympanic membrane, larger wavelengths are more promising. Whether the amount of light transmitted through the membrane would be sufficient to induce aPDT remains to be tested in further experiments.

Direct Analysis of Pathogenic Structures Affixed to the Tympanic Membrane during Chronic Otitis Media.

Objective To characterize otitis media-associated structures affixed to the mucosal surface of the tympanic membrane (TM) in vivo and in surgically recovered in vitro samples. Study Design Prospective case series without comparison. Setting Outpatient surgical care center. Subjects and Methods Forty pediatric subjects scheduled for tympanostomy tube placement surgery were imaged intraoperatively under general anesthesia. Postmyringotomy, a portable optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging system assessed for the presence of any biofilm affixed to the mucosal surface of the TM. Samples of suspected microbial infection-related structures were collected through the myringotomy incision. The sampled site was subsequently reimaged with OCT to confirm collection from the original image site on the TM. In vitro analysis based on confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) images of fluorescence in situ hybridization-tagged samples and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) provided microbiological characterization and verification of biofilm activity. Results OCT imaging was achieved for 38 of 40 subjects (95%). Images from 38 of 38 (100%) of subjects observed with OCT showed the presence of additional microbial infection-related structures. Thirty-four samples were collected from these 38 subjects. CLSM images provided evidence of clustered bacteria in 32 of 33 (97%) of samples. PCR detected the presence of active bacterial DNA signatures in 20 of 31 (65%) of samples. Conclusion PCR and CLSM analysis of fluorescence in situ hybridization-stained samples validates the presence of active bacteria that have formed into a middle ear biofilm that extends across the mucosal layer of the TM. OCT can rapidly and noninvasively identify middle ear biofilms in subjects with severe and persistent cases of otitis media.

Role of Chlamydia pneumoniae and Helicobacteria pylori in the development of tympanosclerosis.

The etiology of tympanosclerosis (TS) is not known, but TS commonly develops secondary to acute and chronic otitis media (COM). Since calcification process in TS resembles that of atherosclerosis (AS), pathogens that are related to pathogenesis of AS may be involved in development of TS. This prospective and controlled study, performed at a tertiary referral center, investigated a possible relationship between the presence of Chlamydia (C.) pneumoniae and Helicobacter (H.) pylori and the development of a tympanosclerotic plaque. The presence of C. pneumoniae was examined in the surgical specimens of 62 patients (29 females and 33 males; age range 10-70 years, mean age 30.8 ± 13.3 years), including 30 patients with TS, 14 patients with cholesteatoma, and 18 patients with chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM). The presence of H. pylori was examined in the surgical specimens of 88 patients (41 females and 47 males; age range 6-70 years, mean age 32.5 ± 14.8 years), including 35 patients with TS, 22 patients with cholesteatoma, 20 patients with CSOM, and 11 patients with otosclerosis. Tympanosclerotic plaques and control specimens from the cholesteatoma, polypoid mucosa, or mucosal portion of the perforations and stapes supra structure were examined for the presence of H. pylori and/or C. pneumoniae using real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. The analysis demonstrated that specimens from the tympanosclerotic plaques and the other types of COM were all negative for C. pneumoniae and H. pylori. An association between C. pneumoniae or H. pylori infection and the development of TS or other types of COM could not be established.

Could Helicobacter pylori play a role in the aetiopathogenesis of tympanosclerosis?

AIM: The aetiology of tympanosclerosis is not yet clear. This prospective, controlled, clinical study investigated the relationship between Helicobacter pylori and tympanosclerosis aetiology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 14 patients with tympanosclerosis and 26 with other forms of chronic otitis media. All patients underwent surgery for chronic otitis media. Mucosal biopsies were taken, and examined for H pylori using the Campylobacter-Like Organism (CLO) test. RESULTS: Tympanoplasty was performed in 29 patients (72.5 per cent), radical mastoidectomy in eight (20 per cent) and myringoplasty in three (7.5 per cent). The presence of H pylori was tested in all tympanosclerosis biopsies, but in only 26.9 per cent of biopsies from other forms of chronic otitis media. A statistically significant difference in H pylori presence was found (p ≤ 0.01). CONCLUSION: This study represents a preliminary investigation of the association between H pylori and tympanosclerosis development.

Otogenic cerebellar abscess: a case report.

This case report describes the gradual deterioration of a healthy, highly functioning man who initially presented with a draining right ear. The patient's indolent neurologic decline and referral to an otologist ultimately led to the diagnosis and treatment of an otogenic cerebellar abscess, an increasingly rare intracranial complication of otitis media. We report this case to illustrate that severe complications of chronic otitis media still occur in the United States, to stress the importance of clinical suspicion in the postantibiotic era, and to review the literature regarding the most appropriate time to perform the otologic portion of the surgery.

Otomicroscopic findings and systemic interleukin-6 levels in relation to etiologic agent during experimental acute otitis media.

The aim of the present study was to explore whether it was possible to differentiate the clinical course and the otomicroscopic appearance of acute otitis media (AOM) caused by common otitis pathogens in an animal model. Systemic interleukin (IL)-6 levels as early markers for bacterial AOM were also studied. Four groups of rats were inoculated with either Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae or Moraxella catarrhalis. The animals were monitored by otomicroscopy, photos of the tympanic membrane, cultures and IL-6 detection in serum the following 4 days. The gram-positive S. pneumoniae and S. pyogenes induced severe AOM with opaque effusion behind the tympanic membrane, pronounced dilation of the vessels and spontaneous perforations. The gram-negative H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis induced a less severe infection with cloudy, sometimes foamy effusion, and no spontaneous perforations. With the otomicroscopic findings it was possible to distinguish between infections induced by gram-positive bacteria and gram-negative bacteria. Detection of interleukin-6 in serum appeared to be of limited use for all infections except the pneumococcal AOM, but this needs to be further investigated.

Tuberculous otitis media: a significant diagnostic challenge.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to revise the diagnostic characteristics of tuberculous otitis media (TOM), a disorder that is often diagnosed late, leading to delay in specific treatment. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective study of a longitudinal series of 10 TOM patients over a 7-year period at an institutional referral center. RESULTS: Most patients showed intractable otorrhea, moderately severe hearing loss, and necrotic eardrums with granulation tissue and single perforations. Multiple perforations, facial palsy, and cervical adenopathies were rare (<10% of patients). CT generally showed soft tissue involvement of the middle ear without bone erosion. The most effective laboratory test microbiological culture of exudate (diagnostic efficacy 71%). Specific antibiotic treatment was effective in all cases. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of TOM remains a significant challenge for otorhinolaryngologists. SIGNIFICANCE: If there are strong clinical grounds for suspicion, standard laboratory tests for tuberculosis should be repeated even if initially negative.

Pars flaccida displacement pattern in purulent otitis media in the gerbil.

HYPOTHESIS: Our hypothesis is that purulent otitis media and otitis media with effusion cause stiffness loss of the tympanic membrane. This loss of stiffness may be persistent and precede the development of retraction pockets and cholesteatoma. BACKGROUND: Postinflammatory changes such as retraction pockets and cholesteatoma develop in the pars flaccida and in the pars tensa of the tympanic membrane. In our previous experimental studies, stiffness changes were shown to develop early in the pars tensa in response to purulent otitis media and otitis media with effusion. These changes are suggested to be precursors to a later development of retraction pockets and cholesteatoma. In the clinical situation, retraction pockets are often found in the pars flaccida only. The aim of the current study was thus to investigate whether stiffness changes appear also in the pars flaccida during purulent otitis media. METHODS: Streptococcus pneumoniae type 3 was injected into the middle ear to induce purulent otitis media. As a measure of pars flaccida stiffness, peak displacement versus middle ear pressure was used. The peak displacement measurements were obtained from full-field moiré; interferometry, which is a noncontacting optical technique for deformation measurements. RESULTS: Ears with purulent otitis media showed increased peak displacement of the pars flaccida at a middle ear pressure of 200 daPa, compared with normal controls. CONCLUSION: There was a decreased mechanical stiffness of the pars flaccida in acute purulent otitis media. This decreased stiffness may predispose for future retraction pocket formation and cholesteatoma development.

Concomitant otomycosis and dermatomycoses: a clinical and microbiological study.

Otomycosis tends to recur despite long-term treatment. To our knowledge, there is no study in the English literature concerning the clinical importance of concomitant otomycosis and dermatomycoses. We investigated the presence of dermatomycoses in 52 patients with otomycosis in order to document the clinical and microbiological importance of their coexistence. Dermatomycoses on the feet and/or hands were identified in 19 patients (36.5%). The most common pathogen for otomycosis was Aspergillus niger, while it was Candida albicans for the dermatomycoses. The same pathogenic fungi were isolated from the otomycosis and dermatomycoses in nine of the 19 patients (47.4%). Aspergillus niger was the most common shared pathogen. The pathogens isolated in concomitant dermatomycoses were common pathogens for the fungal infection of the ear ( Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans). It was concluded that the autoinoculation of the ear canal by pathogenic fungi might be possible in the presence of the untreated dermatomycoses. Dermatomycoses must be investigated in patients with otomycosis and must be treated simultaneously in order to prevent the recurrence of both.

Chronic myringitis: prevalence, presentation, and natural history.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the clinical presentation and natural history of chronic myringitis (CM). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case review. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Chronic myringitis is defined as a loss of tympanic membrane epithelium for >1 month without disease within the tympanic cavity. Seven hundred fifty patient records were reviewed to determine the prevalence of CM in an academic otology practice. The records of 40 patients (45 ears) with CM seen between 1995 and 1999 inclusive were reviewed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The series was reviewed with attention to previous medical and otologic history, the nature and duration of symptoms, the physical findings, and management. RESULTS: The prevalence of CM was found to be -1% (approximately one fourth as common as cholesteatoma). Symptoms were often present for many years before the diagnosis of CM, with CM often mistaken for chronic otitis media. Sixty percent of patients had undergone previous otologic procedures. There did not appear to be an association between CM and systemic disease. Physical findings were varied, with granulation tissue and tympanic membrane perforations often occurring transiently. The clinical course of CM is typified by recurrent episodes of symptoms, often interspersed with long asymptomatic periods. A subset of CM can result in an acquired atresia. The most effective treatment appeared to be prolonged topical medications, surgery being reserved for only the most refractory cases. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic myringitis is often mistaken for chronic otitis media. Such confusion prolongs the initiation of appropriate management and sometimes leads to needless tympanomastoid surgery. The otologist should be aware of this clinical entity and its varied presentation.

Middle ear effusions and structure of the tympanic membrane.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of various middle ear effusions on the structure of the lamina propria of the tympanic membrane. METHODS: Sterile and infective middle ear effusions were induced by obstruction of the eustachian tube in specific pathogen-free (SPF) rats and in rats with upper airway infections (URI), respectively. The condition of the tympanic membrane was monitored at regular intervals. After varying survival times, the animals were killed and the tympanic membranes processed for light and electron microscopy. RESULTS: Sterile effusions always resulted in tympanosclerotic lesions. These lesions did not develop in the presence of primary-infected effusions. These effusions had a severe destructive effect on the lamina propria, followed by fibrosis. Generally, secondary infection did not markedly affect preexisting tympanosclerotic lesions. Moreover, calcification disappeared when re-aeration of the middle ear occurred, but the abnormal collagen depositions persisted. CONCLUSIONS: Both sterile and infective effusions result in comprehensive irreversible changes in the lamina propria of the pars tensa. The development of tympanosclerosis is confined to sterile effusions. Mechanical injury and compromised vascularization of the lamina propria are likely to be important etiological factors in the development of tympanosclerosis.

Acute mastoidectomy in a Danish county from 1977 to 1997--operative findings and long-term results.

Data from patients undergoing acute mastoidectomy were examined retrospectively to evaluate if the nature of acute mastoiditis (AM) treated surgically has changed during the last 20 years (1977-97). Moreover, a prevalence study was conducted to clarify the otological and audiological course following acute mastoidectomy. Patients with cholesteatoma and intracranial complications were excluded. Thus, 79 patients with a median age of 16 months were included. Thirty-seven percent had a history of middle ear disease, and the mean duration from onset of symptoms to admission was 9 days. Well-being was affected in 46%, and 82% had fever. The clinical picture was dominated by auricular protrusion (77%) and pathological tympanic membrane (94%). Postauricular oedema, hyperaemia and tenderness were demonstrated in 89%, 78% and 49% of cases, respectively. Peroperatively, purulent middle ear effusion was recognized in 92%, subperiosteal abscess in 66% and pus in the mastoid in 90%. Specimens revealed growth of pathogens in 58%, predominantly Gram-positive bacteria. The observation period was 1-20 years. The findings in operated ears were not significantly different from the contralateral non-operated ears concerning incidence of otitis media, hearing and ear canal volume. Conclusively, acute mastoidectomy is a safe and effective treatment to eliminate infection. The operation can be done with negligible risk and does not leave long-term sequelae.

Cell biology of tubotympanum in relation to pathogenesis of otitis media - a review.

The sterility of the eustachian tube and tympanic cavity of normal individuals is maintained not only by the adaptive immune system, but also by the mucociliary system and the antimicrobial molecules of innate immunity. Mucin production and periciliary fluid homeostasis are essential for normal mucociliary function and dysfunction of this system is an important risk factor for otitis media. The secreted antimicrobial molecules of the tubotympanum include lysozyme, lactoferrin, beta defensins, and the surfactant proteins A and D (SP-A, SP-D). Defects in the expression or regulation of these molecules may also be the major risk factor for otitis media.

Incudal folds and epitympanic aeration.

Thirty-seven temporal bones were dissected, and the posterior tympanic and epitympanic folds recorded and photographed. Histologic details were documented from four serially sectioned temporal bones, two normal and two inflamed. Of these 41 specimens, 31 were normal, and 10 showed signs of inflammation. The type for the lateral fold was incudomalleal in 16 and incudal in 25 ears. Incus intercrural and incudostapedial folds appeared only exceptionally. Medial and superior incudal folds were not present in normal ears. The anterior tympanic isthmus was a constant, large aeration pathway. In chronically inflamed ears, its partial or total block was caused by polypoid or large sheet-like folds. Inactive sequelae appeared as mature, simple, one-layer or extensive multilayer networks of webs, connected with a deeply indrawn incudomalleal fold. The small posterior isthmus was open to the incudal fossa in 13 ears, and in 28, it was sealed off by a posterior incudal fold. The mastoid air cell tracks were (in ten of 37 dissected ears) open to the incudal fossa, or directly, to the posterior tympanum. Auxiliary pathways due to membrane defects were found in both the horizontal and descending portions of the incudomalleal fold. Excepting the chordal, incudomalleal, and posterior incudal folds, fold-like webs in the posterior tympanum and epitympanum are of inflammatory origin.

Malignant external otitis: review and personal experience.

Malignant external otitis (MEO) is an infrequent but severe infective disorder, generally due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which most often affects elderly diabetics patients. The clinical features rarely permit exact diagnosis of MEO to be made promptly, and initially at least they are difficult to distinguish from those of external otitis. This explains the frequent delay in diagnosis with respect to the onset of symptoms. Physical examination almost always reveals the presence of aspecific granulation tissue in the external auditory canal, while the most common laboratory finding is raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Imaging has great diagnostic relevance: CT and MRI are very useful for spatial resolution, while radionuclide scanning and, in our experience, SPECT are superior for detecting early osteitis and monitoring response to therapy. We present an extensive review of the literature and our personal experience. In particular, we stress the relevance of immunological study of MEO patients: all our 4 patients had defective immune defences. As regards therapy, like other authors we underline the fundamental importance of long-term antibiotic treatment. The availability of quinolones and latest generation cephalosporins has greatly simplified the choice of antibiotic treatment, although clinicians should be aware of the possibility of drug-resistant bacterial strains.