Comparison of the morphometric characteristics of the Eustachian tube between healthy individuals and patients with cleft lip and palate using CBCT images

Abstract

Knowledge of the morphometric characteristics of the Eustachian tube can be used to prevent, detect and manage ear diseases in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP). The aim of the present study was to compare the morphometric characteristics of the Eustachian tube between healthy individuals and patients with CLP referred to the Faculty of Dentistry in Tabriz using CBCT images. materials and methods In this cross-sectional, retrospective descriptive study, 83 CBCT images of patients with CLP and 83 CBCT images of healthy individuals were examined. CBCT images were prepared by the 3D Newtom VGi cone beam device in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. The data obtained from the CBCT graphs were entered into the NNT viewer, version 8.00 software and were examined by an oral and maxillofacial radiologist in a semi-dark room. Identification of anatomical areas and measurements in the Eustachian tube were performed for five cases including pharyngeal orifice of the Eustachian tube, tympanic orifice of the Eustachian tube, length of the Eustachian tube, angle of the Eustachian tube and angle of the auditory tube. The morphometric data of the Eustachian tube were compared between the two studied groups and the relationship between these variables with the age and sex of the samples was analyzed using the statistical program SPSS version 24 and statistical tests of t-test, Mann-Whitney and Fisher's exact test. Results Eustachian tube length and Eustachian tube angle (ETA) in cleft palate patients were significantly lower than healthy subjects. Auditory tube angle (ATA) was significantly higher in cleft palate patients than healthy subjects. There was no significant difference in the diameter of the tympanic opening and the diameter of the pharyngeal opening in the two groups. In both groups, the investigated variables were similar among women and men. The length of Eustachian tube and the angle of the Eustachian tube (ETA) and the angle of the auditory tube (ATA) were significantly different between the two groups in all age groups, but the diameter of the tympanic opening and the diameter of the pharyngeal opening were not significantly different in the age groups. Conclusion Some morphometric characteristics of the Eustachian tube are different in cleft palate patients.