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The rate and pattern of epithelial migration in the atelectatic tympanic membrane(TM) still remains unanswered, so far. Hence, a pilot, prospective, non- randomised, case-control study was conducted to characterize and compare the rate and pattern of epithelial migration in the atelectatic TM versus the normal TM. A total of 40 patients (80 ears) were included based on their otoscopic appearance and tympanography findings. A dot of Methylene blue dye was applied in the immediate vicinity of the umbo of the atelectatic and normal TMs. They were then followed up until the dye dot had migrated to reach the annulus. Thirty-three(82.5%)of the 40 patients showed similar direction of migratory pattern in both study and control TMs. The mean daily migration rate in the study and control ears was 62.6 and 64.7µm/day, respectively. However, this difference was statistically insignificant. In conclusion, there is no difference in the epithelial migration rate or pattern, comparing atelectatic and normal TMs. However, there may be a significant difference in the epithelial migration rate with increased grades of TM atelectasis.

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