Histopathologic study of the human eustachian tube and its surrounding structures following irradiation for carcinoma of the oropharynx

Objective: To describe a histopathologic analysis of a human temporal bone demonstrating patulous changes of the eustachian tube (ET) and its surround ing structures following radiation therapy. Design: Retrospective histopathologic case review and comparison with an ag e-matched control. Setting: Elizabeth McCullough Knowles Otopathology Laboratory, University o f Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pa. Results: A widened patulous ET was verified by demonstrating fibrous tissue replacement of the surrounding supporting structures related to the ET. Th e ET lumen was patulous and wider than the control case. Ostmann fatty tiss ue, the levator veli palatini muscle, and submucosal glands around the ET c artilage were replaced by dense connective tissue. Conclusion: This is the first histopathologic report, to our knowledge, dem onstrating the effects on the ET lumen and supporting structures following acute weight loss, possible tumor infiltration, and radiation changes for c arcinoma of the oropharynx.