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

Introduction: Patulous Eustachian tube (pET) syndrome is defi ned 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 dia gnosis with non-specifi c symptoms. A well-determined dia gnosis 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 dia gnosis, and to evaluate anamnestic data, subjective symptoms, and clinical fi ndings of patients with pET. Another aim is to summarize the current treatment options for pET syndrome, and to evaluate the eff ects 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 eff ect on subjective symptoms and clinical fi ndings and the duration of the eff ect. 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. Key words patulous Eustachian tube – Eustachian tube dysfunction – autophony – tinnitus – treatment