Pathogenesis of Middle Ear Effusions

Abstract

Detailed morphological and physiological studies are necessary as a basis for understanding normal, near normal and abnormal conditions of the middle ear cleft. Animal and human studies are essential. Animal studies provide a means of controlling and isolating variables. Herein we describe methods of producing acute and chronic middle ear effusions in animals. An animal model has also been developed for purulent otitis media. Corollary comprehensive studies are underway in humans. A multidisciplinary effort including pathology, microbiology, immunology, histochemistry, etc., yields interesting information which helps explain the pathogenesis of these common clinical problems.