Tensor Veli Palatinopexy as a Novel Treatment for Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: A Cadaveric Feasibility Study

Objective To demonstrate the feasibility of a novel procedure whereby a suture is placed transorally in the tensor veli palatini muscle to tighten it, thereby dilating the cartilaginous portion of the eustachian tube (ET). Study Design The study design was a prospective cadaveric experiment to examine the feasibility of a novel treatment for ET dysfunction. Setting Academic medical center in a research-oriented operating room with intraoperative computed tomography (CT) capabilities. Methods Seven fresh-frozen cadaver heads were obtained, each of which was thawed for 36 hours prior to use. The preprocedural volumes of the cartilaginous ET were measured by filling the ET with an iodine-containing radiocontrast agent via the nasopharynx and then obtaining CT images. Submucosal flaps in the soft palate were raised, and sutures were placed in the tensor veli palatini bilaterally to increase tension. After completion of the procedure, contrast placement and CT imaging were repeated. Three-dimensional models of the ETs were created, and the volumes were measured and compared. Results Of the 14 ETs evaluated, 13 showed an increase in postprocedure volume. On average, postprocedure volumes showed a 57% increase from preprocedure volumes (mean relative change, 57.1%; P = .013). Conclusion Placement of a tension-holding suture in the tensor veli palatini muscle can reliably dilate the cartilaginous portion of the ET. Such a procedure may be useful in the treatment of ET dysfunction.

Ostmann’s Fat Pad—Does it Really Matter?

Objective: To compare the size of Ostmann’s fat pad (OFP) between healthy ears and ears with chronic otitis media with cholestatoma (COMwC) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: Twenty-six patients with unilateral COMwC underwent mastoidectomy. Pre-operative MRI records were reviewed retrospectively. The healthy ears served as the control group. OFP is represented by the maximum diameter of the high intensity area medial to the tensor veli palatini muscle (TVP); M1. A reference diameter was defined from the medial border of OFP reaching the medial border of the medial pterygoid muscle; M2. Values of M1, M2 and the ratio of M1:M2 was compared between the healthy and pathological ear in each patient. Results: All 26 patients (16 females,10 males) had unilateral cholestatoma. Mean age was 37.6 years (range 19-83). In the healthy (H) ears group, mean M1H was 2.04 ± 0.53 mm, mean M2H was 9.57 ± 2.57 mm. In the pathological (P) ears group; mean M1P was 2.03 ± 0.55 mm, mean M2P was 9.86 ± 2.37 mm. A comparison of M1 and M2 values between the healthy and pathological ear groups was not statistically significant ( P = .853 and P = .509, respectively). Mean M1H:M2H ratio in the healthy ears group was 0.22 ± 0.05, mean M1P:M2P ratio in the pathological ear group was 0.21 ± 0.06. A comparison between these ratios found no significant statistical correlation ( P = .607). Conclusion: The size of Ostmann’s fat pad does not affect the development of chronic otitis media with cholestatoma in adults.

Differences in the Tensor Veli Palatini Muscle and Hearing Status in Children With and Without 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome

Purpose: To investigate the dimensions of the tensor veli palatini (TVP) muscle using high image resolution 3-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the soft palate among children with normal velopharyngeal and craniofacial anatomy and to compare values to individuals with a diagnosis of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS). We also sought to determine whether there is a relationship between hypoplasia of the TVP and severity of middle ear dysfunction and hearing loss. Methods: Three-dimensional MRI were used to collect and analyze data obtained across 53 children between 4 and 12 years of age, including 40 children with normal velopharyngeal and craniofacial anatomy and 13 children with a diagnosis of 22q11.2 DS. Tensor veli palatini muscle length, thickness, and volume as well as bihamular distance were compared among participant groups. Results: A Welch’s t-test revealed that the TVP in participants with 22q11DS is significantly shorter ( P = .005, 17.3 vs 19.0 mm), thinner ( P < .001, 1.1 vs 1.8 mm), and less voluminous ( P < .001, 457.5 vs 667.3 mm3) than participants without 22q11DS. Participants with 22q11DS also had a greater ( P = .006, 27.7 vs 24.7 mm) bihamular distance than participants without 22q11DS. There was an inverse relationship between TVP abnormalities noted above and the severity of audiologic and otologic histories. Conclusion: The TVP muscle is substantially reduced in volume, length, and thickness in children with 22q11DS. These findings serve as preliminary support for the association of patient hearing and otologic severity and TVP dysmorphology.

Tensor veli palatini electromyography for monitoring Eustachian tube rehabilitation in otitis media

Background:The pathogenesis of otitis media is related to Eustachian tube dysfunction. The tensor veli palatini muscle actively opens the Eustachian tube and promotes middle-ear ventilation. This study describes a technique for paratubal electromyography that uses a surface, non-invasive electrode able to record tensor veli palatini muscle activity during swallowing.Methods:Twenty otitis media patients and 10 healthy patients underwent tensor veli palatini electromyography. Activity of this muscle before and after Eustachian tube rehabilitation was also assessed.Results:In 78.5 per cent of patients, the electromyography duration phase and/or amplitude were reduced in the affected side. The muscle action potential was impaired in all patients who underwent Eustachian tube rehabilitation.Conclusion:This study confirmed that Eustachian tube muscle dysfunction has a role in otitis media pathogenesis and showed that muscle activity increases after Eustachian tube rehabilitation therapy.

Denervation of the Tensor Veli Palatini Muscle and Effusion in the Tympanic Cavity

An English springer spaniel was presented for right-sided atrophy of the muscles of mastication, analgesia and paralysis of the face, and vestibular dysfunction. Neurological signs were consistent with a lesion involving the pons and rostral medulla resulting in deficits in the function of the trigeminal, facial, and vestibular nerves. MRI disclosed a right-sided extraparenchymal mass consistent with a trigeminal nerve sheath neoplasm that was compressing and invading the pons and medulla. Atrophy of the muscles of mastication, innervated by the trigeminal nerve, was also observed on MRI. Additionally, effusion was present in the ipsilateral tympanic cavity. Gross and microscopic evaluation of the right tensor veli palatini muscle (TVPM) was consistent with neurogenic atrophy. Effusion in the tympanic cavity was likely the result of an inability to open the auditory tube as a consequence of paralysis of the TVPM. Without the ability to open the auditory tube, gases present within the auditory tube and tympanic cavity may be absorbed, creating a negative pressure environment that leads to fluid transudation and effusion build up. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report to document neurogenic atrophy of the TVPM with concurrent effusion in the ipsilateral tympanic cavity.