溶接火花による耳管鉄粉異物の1例

A case of a foreign body in the eustachian tube due to welding sparks

はじめに

　溶接作業中に火花が外耳道を経由して鼓膜に損傷を与えることが報告されている^1）。しかし，飛来した火花が金属異物として中耳腔や耳管内に停滞することはきわめて稀である。今回われわれは，溶接火花による耳管鉄粉異物の1例を経験したので報告する。

　A 72-year-old male patient had left ear injury with iron powder during a welding operation. Otoscopic examination revealed perforation of the tympanic membrane, and pure-tone audiometry revealed conductive hearing loss at low frequencies. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a metallic foreign body in the left eustachian tube.

　Foreign body reaction occurs over time after injury, resulting in the development of granulation and fibrous connective tissue and the adhesion of foreign material such as iron powder from the foreign body to the eustachian tube. Wearing helmets and earplugs is therefore essential to prevent ear injuries caused by welding sparks.