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Histopathologic Study of the Human Eustachian Tube and Its Surrounding Structures Following Irradiation for Carcinoma of the Oropharynx
Kenji Takasaki, MD;
Barry E. Hirsch, MD;
Isamu Sando, MD, DMSc
Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2000;126:543-546.
Objective To describe a histopathologic analysis of a human temporal bone demonstrating patulous changes of the eustachian tube (ET) and its surrounding structures following radiation therapy.
Design Retrospective histopathologic case review and comparison with an age-matched control.
Setting Elizabeth McCullough Knowles Otopathology Laboratory, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Results A widened patulous ET was verified by demonstrating fibrous tissue replacement of the surrounding supporting structures related to the ET. The ET lumen was patulous and wider than the control case. Ostmann fatty tissue, the levator veli palatini muscle, and submucosal glands around the ET cartilage were replaced by dense connective tissue.
Conclusion This is the first histopathologic report, to our knowledge, demonstrating the effects on the ET lumen and supporting structures following acute weight loss, possible tumor infiltration, and radiation changes for carcinoma of the oropharynx.
From the Elizabeth McCullough Knowles Otopathology Laboratory, Division of Otopathology, Department of Otolaryngology (Drs Takasaki and Sando), and Division of Otology, Department of Otolaryngology (Dr Hirsch), University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pa.
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