Cytologic characteristics of chronic secretory otitis

: We examined 98 children suffering from secretory otitis media (SOM). These cases were classified into 3 categories on the basis of their appearance: 1. mucoid (74 cases). 2. extremely mucoid (10 cases); 3. serous (14 cases). These 98 cases were also classified into 4 categories on the basis of the quantity of excreta, and cell elements found in the smears. These categories are accepted by other authors: 1. prevailing mucoid form (13 cases); 2. prevailing granulocytic form (40 cases); 3. prevailing lymphocytic form (17 cases); 4. combined form with foamy histiocytes prevailing (28 cases). Cytological characteristics of middle ear excreta indicate that the infection and local immunity reaction most likely influence the development of secretory otitis media.