Bizarre "sawtooth" tympanogram in a patient with otitis media.
A patient evaluated for otitis media had a bizarre tympanogram with a "sawtooth" configuration. Acute otitis media with a pinpoint perforation was diagnosed. After resolution of the acute infection, a 2-mm diameter perforation remained and the presence of a patulous eustachian tube was documented. Tympanoplasty was eventually required, after which a normal tympanogram was recorded. Our interpretation of the tympanogram is discussed and the literature reviewed.
Kessler
J L
JL
Department of Otolaryngology, Boston University Medical Center, Massachusetts 02118, USA.
MacDonald
C B
CB
Cox
L C
LC
D000158:Acoustic Impedance Tests / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D011182:Postoperative Care; D013069:Speech Reception Threshold Test