Temporal Bone Studies: Findings in Two Specimens from the Barrow Frozen Family

Investigation of ear disorders that cause deafness was carried out in two temporal bones from two individuals of the Barrow frozen family. X-ray polythomography revealed a rounded soft tissue mass of about 3 mm in the epitympanic area of the specimen from Skeleton 3, suggesting cholesteotoma. No abnormalities were detected in the epitympanic area of the specimen from Skeleton 2. The mastoid and the inner ear were normal in both specimens. Zeiss operating microscope studies showed preservation of the lenticular process of the incus in both specimens, ruling out conductive deafness by interruption of the ossicular chain. The oval windows and the stapes bones showed no evidence of otosclerosis, which also causes conductive deafness. Histology of the soft tissue mass showed epithelial tissue not consistent with cholesteotoma. Active osteoid seams were clearly identified with undecalcified sections from both temporal bones. There was normal osteon formation with no evidence of metabolic bone disease.