A study to evaluate the change in management plan of chronic otitis media (mucosal) after cone beam computed tomography

Abstract

: Imaging of temporal bone helps the Otologists in preoperative surgical planning in ear surgery. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) has much higher spatial resolution and clarity as compared to conventional X-Ray and much lower radiation exposure as compared to HRCT Temporal Bones. : To evaluate the change in management plan of Chronic Otitis Media (Mucosal) after CBCT. Also to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the CBCT findings by comparing with intra operative findings in the study participants. We conducted an observational descriptive study in the ENT Department of an academic Tertiary care hospital from October 2017 to October 2019. We included 95 patients whose management plan before CBCT was compared with the plan after CBCT and the percentage of cases undergoing a change in the management after CBCT was determined. The correlation of CBCT findings and intra operative findings in terms of specificity and sensitivity was also statistically calculated. : Subsequent to imaging, the management plan was changed in only 4 patients which was statistically non-significant. CBCT showed a 100% sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value to detect pneumatisation of the Mastoid, high jugular bulb and low-lying dura. The sensitivity to detect ossicular erosion was 98.9%. : Thorough clinical examination is the most important factor in decision making in patients with Chronic Otitis Media (Mucosal) and management plan remains unchanged after imaging. Though thorough clinical examination remains the gold standard in making a management plan of patients with Chronic Otitis Media (Mucosal), CBCT with its available details and minimal radiation helped to minimise intraoperative inadvertent injuries which might result due to normal anatomic variations like low lying dura, forward lying sinus, contracted mastoid cavity etc.