Goycoolea MV, Castro M, Galvez M, Montoya C, Fuentes J, Silva-Pinto V. Otitis media and mastoiditis in temporal bones of prehistoric Chilean populations. A paleopathological and paleoepidemiological study.
Acta Otolaryngol 2019;
139:340-344. [PMID:
30794067 DOI:
10.1080/00016489.2018.1530800]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
This study evaluates otitis media in prehistoric populations in northern Chile.
AIMS/OBJECTIVES
Determining prevalence of otitis media and diagnostic usefulness of temporal-bone X-rays in skulls.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
444 skulls belonging to three groups: prehistoric-coastal (400-1000 AD), prehistoric-highland (400-1000 AD) and Pisagua-Regional Developments (1000-1450 AD). Skulls were evaluated visually and with Schuller's view X-rays. Five skulls diagnosed as having had otitis media, five diagnosed as normal, and one with temporal bone fistula also had a computed tomography (CT).
RESULTS
Changes suggestive of otitis media were present in Prehistoric-coastal 53.57%; Pisagua-Regional Developments 70.73%; prehistoric-highlands 47.90%. Diagnostic effectiveness of Schuller's view X-rays for assesing middle ear disease was confirmed by CT studies. The case with temporal bone fistula had changes suggestive of mastoiditis and possible post auricular abscess.
CONCLUSIONS
There was a high prevalence of otitis media in prehistoric populations in Chile. The higher prevalence in one group was presumably due to racial factors. Temporal-bone X-rays are effective for massive evaluation of ear disease in skulls. A case of mastoiditis with temporal bone fistula and possible post-auricular abscess is documented.
SIGNIFICANCE
Documenting racial factors in otitis media. Validating X-rays for massive evaluation of otitis media in skulls.
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