Leprosy of the eustachian tube (nasopharyngoscopic study).

The technique of nasopharynogoscopy affords an accurate assessment of the lesions at the orifices of the eustachian tube. It was performed in 30 patients suffering from lepromatous leprosy in order to determine the type, nature and site of the lesion. Involvement of the eustachian tube in leprosy may begin with a localized area of erythema progressing to granuloma formation or ulceration. Leprous lesion at the eustachian tube orifices was related with subsequent changes in the tympanogram pattern. Nasopharyngoscopy is also found to be of therapeutic value in removing the crust, discharge and granulations at the eustachian tube orifices.