Light microscopic histopathology of adenoid tissue in otitis media with effusion: Is there any relation?

Abstract Objective The adenoid has long been recognized as an important factor in the pathogenesis of otitis media with effusion. The aim of this study was to determine if there is any relationship between light microscopic histopathologic parameters of adenoid tissue and otitis media with effusion. Methods The study group consists of 30 children aged from 2 to 8 years old with bilateral otitis media with effusion who were selected also for adenoidectomy due to obstructive symptoms of hypertrophied adenoid. The control group included 30 age-matched patients who undergone adenoidectomy due to same indications but without even unilateral otitis media with effusion. Adenoid specimens were examined under light microscopy by an expert pathologist who not aware of the specimens were belongs to which group. Nine histopathologic parameters of the specimens were compared between the two groups. Results There was no statistically significant difference between these groups ( p values > 0.05). Conclusions The role of the adenoids in pathogenesis of otitis media with effusion is beyond its histopathologic changes at least in the level of light microscopic findings.