Imaging of Cholesteatoma

Imaging of Cholesteatoma
Eugene Yu

Computed tomography (CT) imaging is the most commonly used modality to evaluate cholesteatoma. Characteristic features of an acquired attic cholesteatoma include the presence of a soft tissue density mass in Prussak’s space that displaces the ossicles medially. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques have been investigated in an attempt to specifically visualize cholesteatoma and thus improve lesion localization within the opacified ear. This lecture will discuss the CT and MRI imaging features of cholesteatoma. The advantages and disadvantages of each modality will be highlighted through numerous examples. A short discussion on the distinguishing imaging features of cholesteatoma, cholesterol granulomas, glomus tumors, facial nerve lesions will also be presented.