Middle ear cholesteatoma: a study of correlation between HRCT temporal bone and intraoperative surgical findings

Abstract

Background: Cholesteatoma is a long-standing infection of the middle ear cleft having erosive properties. Chronic ear discharge and decreased hearing are most common clinical presentation. Multi-directional tomography of high quality can provide a detailed understanding of the interpretation of anatomical structures visualized by HRCT. Knowledge of the anatomical variations and changes induced by pathology in the temporal bone are the guiding marbles for surgery. Methods: This is a Prospective study consisted of 100 cases of chronic suppurative otitis media of unsafe type requiring ear surgery admitted in the E.N.T. department of P.D.U. Civil Hospital Rajkot in 2 years from December 2015 to December 2017. A total no. of 100 patients of both gender between 5 to 80 years has been included in the study. Results: In this study, 58% patients were females while males were 42%. Left ear (46%) was involved more as compared to right ear (40%). Most of the patients belonged to 11-20 (25%) years of age group. mean age is 24.5 years. Most common symptoms were ear discharge (98%) and decreased hearing (83%). Conclusions: HRCT guides the surgeon on the possible surgical hazards before the surgery and helps in earlier management and operative complications. The use of CT in the case of chronic suppurative otitis media does provide valuable information. HRCT scanning is a unique method of detection of early cholesteatoma as well as detection of cho­lesteatoma in hidden areas. In addition, HRCT scanning serves as a road map to assist the surgeon during cholesteatoma surgery.