Abstract
Background: This study evaluates otitis media in prehistoric populations in northern Chile.
Aims/objectives: Determining prevalence of otitis media and diagnostic usefulness of temporal-bone X-rays in skulls.
Materials and methods: 444 skulls belonging to three groups: prehistoric-coastal (400–1000 AD), prehistoric-highland (400–1000 AD) and Pisagua-Regional Developments (1000–1450 AD). Skulls were evaluated visually and with Schuller’s view X-rays. Five skulls diagnosed as having had otitis media, five diagnosed as normal, and one with temporal bone fistula also had a computed tomography (CT).
Results: Changes suggestive of otitis media were present in Prehistoric-coastal 53.57%; Pisagua-Regional Developments 70.73%; prehistoric-highlands 47.90%. Diagnostic effectiveness of Schuller’s view X-rays for assesing middle ear disease was confirmed by CT studies. The case with temporal bone fistula had changes suggestive of mastoiditis and possible post auricular abscess.
Conclusions: There was a high prevalence of otitis media in prehistoric populations in Chile. The higher prevalence in one group was presumably due to racial factors. Temporal-bone X-rays are effective for massive evaluation of ear disease in skulls. A case of mastoiditis with temporal bone fistula and possible post-auricular abscess is documented.
Significance: Documenting racial factors in otitis media. Validating X-rays for massive evaluation of otitis media in skulls.
Chinese abstract
背景:本研究评估智利北部史前人群的中耳炎。
目的:确定中耳炎的患病率和颅骨X射线的诊断用途。
材料和方法:444个头骨分属三组:史前 - 沿海(公元400-1000), 史前 - 高地(公元400-1000)和皮萨瓜-区域(公元1000-1450)。用目视和SchullerX射线视图评估颅骨。五个头骨被诊断为患有中耳炎。五个被诊断为正常。一个患有颞骨瘘, 还进行了计算机断层扫描(CT)。
结果:代表中耳炎的变异出现于史前 - 沿海地区( 53.57%); 皮萨瓜-区域(70.73%);史前-高地(47.90%)。通过CT研究证实了SchullerX射线对评估中耳疾病的诊断效果。颞骨瘘的病例具有代表乳突炎和可能的耳后脓肿的变异。
结论:智利史前人群的中耳炎发病率很高。第一组中较高的患病率可能是由于种族因素造成的。颞骨X射线对于头骨耳部疾病的大规模评估是有效的。记录了一例患有颞骨瘘和可能的耳后脓肿的乳突炎。
意义:记录中耳炎的种族因素。验证X射线用于大量评估头骨中的中耳炎。
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.