Ultrastructure of the Middle Ear Mucosa in Secretory Otitis Media

Abstract

A semiquantitative study of secretory otitis media (SOM) was carried out using transmission electron microscopy. Mucosal specimens from different types of ear pathology in cleft palate patients were compared with specimens from SOM of unknown etiology, chronic otitis media, and normal middle ear mucosa. 39 specimens from cleft palate patients were examined and compared with 7 specimens from non-cleft patients. Special interest was focused on the ciliated cells and the secretory cells. in SOM with mucoid effusion up to 10% of all cilia were abnormal. Compound cilia could have many forms, while the remaining cilia seemed normal. Microknobs on the ciliary wall were frequently found in SOM ears and could perhaps represent a secretory entity. the microvilli on secretory cells had external filaments, especially dominant in SOM with mucoid effusion. Fluid reabsorption probably takes place in the microvilli. Ventilating tubes in the ear drum reduced the height of the mucosa and microvilli.