Complications of Atticoantral Cholesteatoma: MR Manifestations

Abstract

Cholesteatoma of the temporal bone usually occurs in the attic (epitympanic cavity) and extends easily into the mastoid antrum through the aditus ad antrum. Since atti-coantral cholesteatoma can lead to clinically serious complications, successful patient management requires an accurate knowledge of the extent of the condition. All com-plications of cholesteatoma are in fact related to bony erosion and may be classified as labyrinthitis, extracranial complication, meningitis, dural sinus obstruction, or parenchymal inflammation. This paper describes the diverse MR manifestations of the complications arising from atticoantral cholesteatoma.