Usefulness of Pre-operative High-resolution Computed Tomography in Middle Ear Cholesteatoma

Introduction: Cholesteatoma is traditionally diagnosed by otoscopic examination and treated by exploratory surgery. The need for imaging in an uncomplicated case is contentious. The study assesses the usefulness of a pre-operative high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in depicting the status of middle ear structures in the presence of cholesteatoma. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of pre-operative HRCT in the assessment of disease in patients with middle ear cholesteatoma. Pre-operative high-resolution temporal bone CT scans were carried out and compared with intraoperative findings. Materials and Methods: In this prospective observational study, 30 patients with cholesteatoma were included in the study. Results: HRCT shows the presence of non-dependent tissue mass in 28 of 30 cases. Evidence of destruction of bony walls of the middle ear, mastoid antrum, or ossicles was sought after, and 25 cases showed all the 3 features. Conclusion: The patient is benefited as he has presurgical assessment rather wait for results of surgical exploration. Forewarned about complications, the patient has a pictorial depiction of the disease and understands the need for surgical intervention and difficulty in hearing preservation.