Jun 25, 2015Owing to its high sensitivity, CT is a valuable tool for extension of cholesteatoma. The hallmarks of cholesteatoma on CT are a soft tissue massĀ SummaryMaterial and MethodsResultsDiscussion
On CT, attic cholesteatoma appears as nondependent soft tissue mass opacity located in Prussak's space lateral to the ossicles, while tympanic cholesteatoma occupies the tympanic space medial to the ossicles, usually with typical involvement of the facial recess and sinus tympani.
On HRCT scans, cholesteatoma appears as a soft-tissue mass in the middle ear cavity and mastoid with associated signs of surrounding bony erosion [3]. However, HRCT cannot accurately differentiate cholesteatoma from inflammatory/granulation tissue or scar tissue inside the middle ear [7].
The ability of HRCT to detect cholesteatoma and its complications prior to surgery is well known. It is especially helpful in detecting minimal erosion of the ossicular chain and other dangerous areas like the tegmen tympani, lateral semicircular canal, and fallopian canal [10].
The ability of HRCT to detect cholesteatoma and its complications prior to surgery is well known. It is especially helpful in detecting minimal erosion of the ossicular chain and other dangerous areas like the tegmen tympani, lateral semicircular canal, and fallopian canal [10].