Histopathological changes of the eustachian tube cartilage and the tensor veli palatini muscle with aging

Objectives: The eustachian tube (ET) and the tensor veli palatini muscle (T VPM) are thought to play an important role in ventilatory function. Calcifi cation of the ET cartilage and the replacement of TVPM by fat tissue are of ten observed histologically in elderly patients. To our knowledge, however, there are no quantitative studies of these pathological findings in relati on to age. Study Design: The calcification of the ET cartilage and the atro phy of the TVPM in 36 normal human temporal bones obtained from 36 individu als with ages ranging from 2 days to 88 years were investigated. Methods: T he number of calcified chondrocytes in the midportion of the ET cartilage w as quantified as the average number of cells per square millimeter. Atrophy of the TVPM was evaluated at the midportion of the site where the TVPM is attached to the Dip of lateral lamina of ET cartilage. A grade of 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 was assessed for each section, which indicated approximately 0% to 5%, 5% to 30%, 30% to 70%, 70% to 95%, or 95% to 100% of the TVPM replaceme nt by fat tissue, respectively. Results: A statistically significant correl ation was found between the number of the calcified cells and aging (P < .0 01), A statistically significant correlation was also found between the deg ree of the atrophy of TVPM and aging (P < .001), Conclusions: The calcifica tion of the ET cartilage and the atrophy of the TVPM are closely associated with aging. Therefore, it is suggested that these two findings may be a pr edisposing factor for ET dysfunction in elderly adults.