Comparison of High-Resolution Computed Tomography and Surgical Findings in Patients with Temporal Bone Cholesteatoma

Abstract

Objective: The present study aims to investigate the role of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in temporal bone cholesteatoma. Materials and Methods: Eighty-two patients with a pathological diagnosis of chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma were included in this retrospective study. All patients had a complete preoperative otorhinolaryngologic examination, audiological assessment, and HRCT. Preoperative radiological findings were evaluated together with the findings obtained during surgery. Results: In HRCT, cholesteatoma was most common in pars flaccida (36.25%). The most common localization of cholesteatoma was holotympanic (36.25%). Erosion was most common in all ossicles (43.75%), but solitary erosion was most common in the incus (35%). The facial nerve canal was intact in 58 (72.5%) of the patients. The diagnostic sensitivities of HRCT in cholesteatoma cases were 97.6% for tissue mass, 97.6% for localization, 100% for malleus erosion, 84.8% for incus erosion, 100% for malleus and incus erosion, 40% for incus and stapes erosion, 94.6% for the erosion of all ossicles, and 100% for facial nerve canal erosion. Conclusion: Preoperative HRCT evaluation in patients with cholesteatoma may be considered indispensable for the location of the disease and the detection of destructive structures.