Investigations on the Potential of Optical Coherence Tomography as an Imaging Tool for Eustachian Tube
Abstract The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility of eustachian tube optical coherence tomography (ET-OCT) for the pharyngeal region of the eustachian tube. Ten subjects with ear complaint accepted ET-OCT with the guidance of nasal endoscopy, and ET-OCT examination was performed on both sides of each subject's eustachian tubes. Operation process and images were analyzed. 10 subjects ranged from 21 to 73 years old (45 ± 14.77) were enrolled in this study. Eighteen ET-OCT imaging were completed. The mean duration of each examination was 2.80 ± 1.62 min (ranged from 2 to 7min). There was no adverse event or complication. In some subjects, the ET-OCT images presented clear eustachian tube wall microstructure, including distinct lumen, mucosa, submucosa, cartilage and plica. But in some subjects, it showed different characteristics, such as unclear hierarchy, secretions in the lumen. ET-OCT may help to distinguish eustachian tube structural composition and elucidate its pathophysiological mechanism. It is a valuable imaging tool suit for the eustachian tube, and it shows potential diagnostic value in determining luminal morphology, intraluminal mucosa and submucosal tissue in the pharyngeal region of the eustachian tube.