Analysis of tympanosclerotic plaques via atomic force microscope and scanning electron microscope

• Published in: ENT updates Vol. 2; no. 3; p. 89
• Main Authors: Hale Aslan, Basoglu, Mehmet Sinan, Ilknur, Ali Ekber, Özbay, Can, Erdem Eren, Duygu Oguz Kiliç, Kulduk, Erkan, Öztürkcan, Sedat, Katilmis, Hüseyin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Istanbul Continuous Education and Scientific Research Association (CESRA) 01.12.2012
• ISSN: 2149-7109
• DOI: 10.2399/jmu.2012003001

Objective: To present new information to the literature by imaging the calcospherule forming tympanosclerotic plaque's structure with atomic force microscope and to analyze the elementary structure of it with energy dispersive X-ray detector adapted to the scanning electron microscope. Methods: Samples taken from 30 patients who underwent surgery for tympanosclerosis were retrospectively evaluated in our tertiary referral center. The surface topography and three-dimensional images of the hardest plaque was analyzed using atomic force microscopy and examined elemental composition of 5 different calcospherule in 5 different plaques using scanning electron microscopy - energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Results: In all sides of study, the rate of fronto-ethmoidal cell was 20.9%. When cases with sinonasal signs (group II and III) and control group (group I) were compared, intersiThree-dimensional analysis of the tympanosclerotic plaque using atomic force microscopy showed calcium phosphate crystalline structures. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was used to quantify the calcium, phosphate, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, sodium, and magnesium present. Conclusion: We believe that knowledge of the surface topography and elemental composition of tympanosclerotic plaque will contribute to understanding the etiology of tympanosclerosis and its treatment.