Cholesteatoma is traditionally diagnosed by otoscopic
examination and treated by explorative surgery. The need for imaging in an
uncomplicated case is contentious. This study assesses the usefulness of a
pre-operative high-resolution CT scan in depicting the status of the middle ear
structures in the presence of cholesteatoma.
Cholesteatoma is a sac of keratinising squamous epithelium in
the middle ear cleft. The lesion is classically recognised by the presence of
attic squames on otoscopic examination. The presence of cholesteatoma must
also be suspected beneath polyps protruding from the pars flaccida or when
there is a marginal tympanic membrane perforation or granulation.
Cholesteatoma is a potentially serious condition as it can progressively enlarge
and erode into neighbouring structures, giving rise to serious intracranial and
extracranial complications.
The patient is benefited as he has pre surgical assessment
rather wait for results of surgical exploration. Forewarned about
complications. The patient has a pictorial depiction of his disease and
understands the need for surgical intervention and difficulty in hearing
preservation.
The surgeon is armed with a visual aid to preoperative
counseling ,spatial orientation of disease extent and identifies problem
areas prior to surgery