Aural polypi: a histopathological and histochemical study.

Aural polypi associated with chronic suppurative otitis media have been studied histopathologically and histochemically in 20 patients. The polypi consist of an edematous connective tissue stroma infiltrated by chronic inflammatory cells and numerous blood vessels. The surface is covered by intact stratified squamous epithelium. The histochemical study revealed altered permeability of the blood vessels which seem to be the main pathological background for polyp formation. An enhanced phagocytic activity and increased metabolic activity were found in the epithelium in the chronic inflammatory cells. No glandular activity was found in the polypi.