Three-Dimensional Analysis of Round Window Membrane in the Chinchilla Model with Acute Otitis Media Induced with

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the morphological changes of round window membrane (RWM) in chinchillas with Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) serotype 7F induced acute otitis media (AOM) by two dimensional (2D) and three dimensional (3D) measurements. Methods: Temporal bone specimens taken from 12 chinchillas were divided into two groups. The control group consisted of healthy animals that were injected with intrabullar saline. The subjects in the experimental group were induced with AOM by intrabullar injection of S. pneumoniae 7F. The 2D and 3D measurements of RWM were compared between the groups. Results: Dramatic changes were noted in the RWM of the experimental group compared to the control group. The thickness [mean ± standard deviation (SD)] of the RWM was significantly (p