Correlation between morbid adenoid and atelectatic ear.

We observed the nasopharynx of 30 patients with atelectatic ears (AE), and 10 with healthy ear drums and mouth breathing by CT scan, to examine the relation between adenoid and otitis media. The adenoids of those with healthy ear drums were of the large posterior type with free space in the pharyngeal fossa, while those with AE were of the large anterior type in 18 patients and of the pendulous projection type over the choana in the other 12. The anatomical location of the adenoids should be considered when one discusses the relation between the adenoid and otitis media. The "Toynbee phenomenon", in the pendulous projection type and in the large anterior type of adenoid, was considered to be one of the etiological factors in AE. To understand the etiology of otitis media, it seems important to investigate the reason why the anterior projection of the adenoids occurs.