Patulous Eustachian tube – a case series and review of current diagnostic and treatment options

Czech version

Authors: Barbora Blatová ¹ ; Karol Zeleník ^1,2 ; Pavel Komínek ^1,2
Authors‘ workplace: Klinika otorinolaryngologie a chirurgie hlavy a krku, FN Ostrava ¹; Katedra kraniofaciálních oborů, Lékařská fakulta OU, Ostrava ²
Published in: Otorinolaryngol Foniatr, 74, 2025, No. 3, pp. 207-214.
Category: Original Article
doi: https://doi.org/10.48095/ccorl2025207

Overview

Introduction: Patulous Eustachian tube (pET) syndrome is defined as an excessively open Eustachian tube (ET). The syndrome is manifested by autophony, a feeling of fullness in the ear and tinnitus. pET syndrome is an infrequent diagnosis with non-specific symptoms. A well-determined diagnosis and correct choice of treatment leads to the reduction or disappearance of the bothersome symptoms of pET syndrome. Aims: The aims of the article are to point out an infrequent diagnosis, and to evaluate anamnestic data, subjective symptoms, and clinical findings of patients with pET. Another aim is to summarize the current treatment options for pET syndrome, and to evaluate the effects of the selected treatment modalities. Materials and methodology: Retrospective case study of patients with pET syndrome treated at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery of the Ostrava University Hospital in 2020–2023. Data were obtained from the hospital information system. Treatment was evaluated as successful, partially successful, or unsuccessful according to the effect on subjective symptoms and clinical findings and the duration of the effect. Conclusion: Successful treatment of pET is tubal torus augmentation with autologous cartilage. This treatment modality is the most complicated and general anesthesia is required. We proceed from the easier treatment methods to more complicated ones.

Keywords:

Tinnitus – Eustachian tube dysfunction – treatment – patulous Eustachian tube – autophony

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