Temporal bone pneumatization. A planimetric study.

This present study is based on the results of a planimetric investigation of temporal bone pneumatization in 73 children (with and without middle ear pathology). Radiologic and clinical follow-up studies indicate a definite inhibition of pneumatization due to chronic secretory or recurrent suppurative otitis media. This process is partially reversible if the underlying pathologic ventilation of the middle ear spaces is cured by an adequate treatment, such as direct adenoidectomy and/or long-term middle ear ventilation (6 months indispensable).