Pattern of mastoid pneumatization among the East Indian population: A cross-sectional radiological study

Abstract

Background: The pneumatic air cells of the mastoid of the temporal bone play an important role in the function of the ear and its diseases. The extent and distribution of mastoid air cell pneumatization vary among individuals and are influenced by some genetic and environmental factors.

Aims and Objectives: This study was conducted to analyze the types of mastoid pneumatization based on sex and age among the East Indian population, and to report on asymmetry.

Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted on 58 males and 39 females without any evidence of middle ear disease. The bilateral X-ray plates of the mastoid region of 97 study subjects were analyzed, and a dataset was prepared across the gender and age groups.

Results: The pneumatic type of mastoid was the most common variety, followed by the diploic mastoid. The same pattern was seen among males and females. The diploic type of mastoid was more common among females than among males. Among all age groups, pneumatic mastoid was the most common type, followed by diploic and sclerotic types. No statistically significant data were seen across the genders and ages.

Conclusion: In the absence of ear disease, the pneumatic mastoid is the most common pattern of mastoid pneumatization in the East Indian population, regardless of sex or age. The study results provide assurance to clinicians regarding the anatomical consistency of the pneumatization of the mastoid in the management of the disease that surrounds this region. It also proposed the relevance of classic radiological assessment in epidemiological research, while highlighting the need for ongoing, high-resolution morphometric studies of mastoid pneumatization in clinical research.