Evaluation of Eustachian tube function with ventilation scintigraphy by using Xe-133 gas

The aim of this study was to evaluate Eustachian tube function by ventilati on scintigraphy. In 13 patients with normal tube function and 16 with one-s ided tube dysfunction, 50 MBq Xe-133 was applied into the nasopharyngeal sp ace through a tube inserted into the nasal cavity. Immediately after the in sufflation, the patients were asked to perform three Valsalva manoeuvres. The visualization of the middle ear was possible in 10 of the 13 patients ( 77 per dent) with normal tube function. Decreased uptake of the middle-ear region in the side of dysfunction, was demonstrated in 11 of the 16 patient s (68.7 per cent) with one-sided tube dysfunction. Quantitative evaluation by region of interest technique revealed that by using percentage retention of activity and uptake rates, there were significant differences between t he sides of dysfunction and sides of normal tube function (p<0.05) and also between sides of dysfunction and both sides of controls (p<0.05). There wa s no significant differences between normal sides of patients and both side s of controls (p>0.05). As a conclusion, this method is non-invasive, easy-to perform and has a low radiation burden in the evaluation of Eustachian tube function. Although t he number of patients is limited, the test seems to be applicable with a su ccess rate of about 74 per cent.