Development and Preliminary Evaluation of an Endoscopic Eustachian Tube Orifice Patency Score (ETOPS): A Pilot Study.

INTRODUCTION

Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is a common condition that can lead to middle ear disorders and significantly affect quality of life. This study aimed to develop a novel Endoscopic Eustachian Tube Orifice Patency Score (ETOPS) and explore its potential relationship with ETD.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

In this prospective observational study, 40 adult patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of ETD underwent diagnostic nasal endoscopy using a 70° endoscope. The Eustachian tube nasopharyngeal orifice was graded using the newly proposed ETOPS. ETOPS values were compared with ETDQ-7 symptom scores and tympanometric findings.

RESULTS

A significant positive correlation was observed between ETOPS and ETDQ-7 scores (r = 0.74, p < 0.001). Inter-observer reliability was good (ICC = 0.89). Patients with Type B and Type C tympanograms demonstrated significantly higher ETOPS values than those with Type A tympanograms (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The proposed ETOPS may serve as a simple and reproducible endoscopic grading system for evaluating Eustachian tube dysfunction. Further validation using real patient data is required to establish its clinical utility.