Pieces of mucosa were removed from the middle ears of 93 patients with chronic granulating otitis media during mastoidectomy with simultaneous tympanoplasty. Number and density of mucous glands were determined.
Glands were found in 93% of cases, with density of up to 12 glands/sq mm (mean, 2.0 glands/sq mm). There was marked variation in gland density. Density was highest in niches of oval and round windows, in adhesions around stapes, below annulus posteriorly, and in hypotympanum posteriorly. Distribution of glands was very irregular. Largest number of active glands were found in tympanic cavity, largest number of degenerated glands in mastoid process. Determination of gland density and demonstration of active glands in middle ear mucosa are applicable as criteria of secretory capacity and activity of mucosa.