Laser therapy for refractory myringitis in children.
OBJECTIVE
We present the application and initial results of a CO(2) laser technique for the treatment of medically refractory chronic granular myringitis (CGM).


METHODS
Retrospective case series of 15 treated ears in 13 consecutive patients between the ages of 6 and 14 years (median age, 9.0 years) cared for in a tertiary care specialty hospital.


RESULTS
Eleven of 15 treated ears had total resolution of CGM and associated symptoms; median follow-up time was 10 months. Three ears were improved, and 1 ear remained unchanged. Three of 5 preoperative tympanic membrane perforations healed after laser treatment; 1 patient developed a postoperative, dry perforation. Hearing was not impaired in any patient tested.


CONCLUSIONS
Preliminary results suggest that CGM, when refractory to medical treatment, can often be treated effectively by a single laser treatment.
Fechner
Frank P
FP
Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02114, USA.
Cunningham
Michael J
MJ
Eavey
Roland D
RD
D000293:Adolescent; D001301:Audiometry, Pure-Tone; D002648:Child; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006099:Granuloma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D010031:Otitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014432:Tympanic Membrane; D018058:Tympanic Membrane Perforation / Q000209:etiology