Document Detail


External auditory canal cholesteatoma and keratosis obturans: The role of imaging in preventing facial nerve injury.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  22180115     Owner:  NLM     Status:  In-Data-Review    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
We conducted a retrospective study to compare the clinical characteristics of external auditory canal cholesteatoma (EACC) with those of a similar entity, keratosis obturans (KO). We also sought to identify those aspects of each disease that may lead to complications. We identified 6 patients in each group. Imaging studies were reviewed for evidence of bony erosion and the proximity of disease to vital structures. All 6 patients in the EACC group had their diagnosis confirmed by computed tomography (CT), which demonstrated widening of the bony external auditory canal; 4 of these patients had critical erosion of bone adjacent to the facial nerve. Of the 6 patients with KO, only 2 had undergone CT, and neither exhibited any significant bony erosion or expansion; 1 of them developed osteomyelitis of the temporal bone and adjacent temporomandibular joint. Another patient manifested KO as part of a dermatophytid reaction. The essential component of treatment in all cases of EACC was microscopic debridement of the ear canal. We conclude that EACC may produce significant erosion of bone with exposure of vital structures, including the facial nerve. Because of the clinical similarity of EACC to KO, misdiagnosis is possible. Temporal bone imaging should be obtained prior to attempts at debridement of suspected EACC. Increased awareness of these uncommon conditions is warranted to prompt appropriate investigation and prevent iatrogenic complications such as facial nerve injury.
Authors:
Edward D McCoul; Matthew B Hanson
Related Documents :
8934125 - Mri of the facial nerve in idiopathic facial palsy.
10782725 - Value of imaging in disorders of the facial nerve.
9108225 - Fibrolipomatous hamartoma: mr imaging findings.
2480545 - Intratemporal facial nerve neurinoma--case report.
16611165 - The roles of parathyroid hormone and calcitonin in bone remodeling: prospects for novel...
21322385 - Comparative magnetic resonance imaging findings between gliomas and presumed cerebrovas...
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Ear, nose, & throat journal     Volume:  90     ISSN:  1942-7522     ISO Abbreviation:  Ear Nose Throat J     Publication Date:  2011 Dec 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2011-12-19     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  7701817     Medline TA:  Ear Nose Throat J     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  E1-7     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
ENT and Allergy Associates, LLP (Westchester County), Tuckahoe, NY, USA.
Export Citation:
APA/MLA Format     Download EndNote     Download BibTex
MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


Previous Document:  Dynasplint for the management of trismus after treatment of upper aerodigestive tract cancer: A retr...
Next Document:  Bilateral auricular seromas: A case report and review of the literature.