An evaluation of role of sinusitis as focal sepsis in chronic otitis media active mucosal disease: A cross-sectional survey

Background: Sinusitis causes inflammation of the middle ear mucosa with increased and persistent mucoid/ mucopurulent discharge and remains as a active mucosal disease. Without correcting the sinusitis the management of ear including surgery has frequently led to failures and poor prognosis. Objectives: To establish the role of Sinusitis as Focal sepsis in Chronic Otitis media active mucosal disease. An additional objective was to accentuate the need of proper diagnostic endoscopic evaluation and improvement in middle ear mucosal disease status after functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Material and methods: A total of 50 patients aged 18-49 years with Chronic otitis media active mucosal disease (Tubotympanic type of C.S.O.M.) patients with persistent ear discharge even following culture directed topical and systemic antibiotics with 3 months and more of ear discharge seeking care at Otorhinolaryngology outpatient department were included in this study. Results: Mean age of patients was 42.5 ± 10.6 years. 76% subjects were found having septal deviation/ turbinoseptal deformity which was the most common anatomical variant, 34% had enlarged middle turbinate, 32% had medialised uncinate, 30% had enlarged bulla, 22% had enlarged bulla with prominent agger and 18% had paradoxical middle turbinate. Of these 22 patients had the accessory ostium in the posterior fontanel and 10 patients had accessory ostium in the anterior fontanel. Majority (26, 52%) of subjects had Grade I disease i.e. minimal disease limited to Osteo Meatal Complex followed by Grade II 24% i.e. moderate incomplete opacification of one or more sinuses. On otoendoscopy, 36 patients (72%) had a large central perforation, while 14 patients (28%) had a subtotal central perforation. Conclusion: A thorough diagnostic nasal evaluation of all Chronic Otitis Media active mucosal type of patients is essential in comprehensive management of the disease. Deviated nasal septum, enlarged middle turbinate, medialised uncinate predispose to sinusitis.