1. Chronic otitis and cholesteatoma occur when a retraction pocket in the middle ear develops and cannot self-clean, allowing keratin and skin debris to accumulate and form a cholesteatoma.
2. Imaging plays a key role in diagnosing and managing cholesteatoma. CT scan is usually the first choice to assess for cholesteatoma and complications prior to surgery. MRI can also be used and provides additional information.
3. Post-operatively, imaging is used to detect residual or recurrent cholesteatoma and assess complications. CT scan and MRI are both used depending on the clinical scenario and findings. Close monitoring is required after surgery.
6. Imaging
§ CHOLESTEATOMA IS A CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS
§ Modern imaging plays a key role in management of
cholesteatoma:
§ In pre operative
§ In post operative : minimally invasive supervision
(avoid surgical 2nd look)
§ Technical imaging:
ú CT scan (+++)
ú MRI : growing up
Essentially in post operative
Before surgery when complications
7. Imaging
§ Which imaging technique:
ú CT scan without enhancement: first choice
modality
To assess the diagnosis when otoscopy is
inclonclusive (closed tympanic membran)
To screen for complications
For the staging
Anatomical assessment of the tympanomastoid cavity
Surgical approach Choice
8. Imaging semiology
§ Nodular tisssular mass
ú Convex, rounded,
polycyclic
ú location : Prussak’s
space (External attical
wall)
ú Attical extension
§ Mass effect on
ossicular chain
9. Imaging semiology
§ Bone erosion
ú Erosion of the external
epitympanic wall
(scutum): early sign
ú Ossicular erosion: 70%
ú Not specific
Long process of incus
Incus body
Head of malleus
12. Congenital cholesteatoma
§ Unusual
§ Pathogenetic explanation:
persistence of residual
squamous cells usually
existing in embryo between
the 10th and the 30th week
of gestation (Mickaels’
theory).
24. Cholesteatoma: post
operative following
§ Imaging of post operative cholesteatoma
ú To assess a residual cholesteatoma
ú Staging (extension/complications) if residual or
recurrent cholesteatoma.
ú Post operative hearing loss without explanation
ú Best choice of imaging: depends on the situation
32. Children
§ Avoid iterative CT scan (radiation)
§ Prefer MRI diffusion
§ 1 month after surgery
§ No injection
§ Binary response: chole + or chole –
ú Chole + : surgery (+/- CT)
ú Chole – : MRI (1 month later)
33. Adult
§ Good audition , no otorrhea: 1 question
ú Residual Cholesteatoma?
§ Conductive hearing loss or mixed: 2 questions
ú Residual Cholesteatoma?
ú Functional evaluation
34. Clinical
No opacity
Audition OK Hearing loss
CT
Partial
opacity
Total opacity
Post operative monitoring
Dubuous
image
No doubt Residual No
residual
Audition
OK Hearing loss
surgery Surgery
Ossicular
rehabilita
tion
CT
Ossicular
rehabilitation
CT CT or MRI
MRI
12 months
12,24 months 12 ,24months 12 ,24months
38. Conclusion
§ Major role of imaging for the diagnosisof pre
operative cholesteatoma
§ Systematic in pre operative: the first modality
imaging is CT scan without contrast
§ CT may be supplemented by MRI if
complications (labyrinthine fistula or extension,
tegmen erosion, intra cranial extension,
meningocele)