Imaging of labyrinthine fistula after repair with bone pate

To demonstrate imaging of labyrinthine fistula due to cholesteatoma and illustrate outcome following repair with bone pate.

Retrospective review.

Patients with labyrinthine fistula due to cholesteatoma were identified, and pre- and postoperative imaging was assessed. Method of repair was recorded. The fistula site was examined for patency and bone density after repair.

Twenty-nine fistulae were seen in a cohort of 375 cholesteatoma cases (8%). Preoperative computed tomography (CT) imaging for fistula detection showed sensitivity of 96% and specificity of 90%. The lateral semicircular canal was the most common site of dehiscence occurring in all cases. Facial nerve dehiscence is observed in 91% of fistula cases and stapes erosion in 69%. Severe hearing loss was present preoperatively in four (14%) cases. Bone pate was used to repair the fistula with CT-documented restoration of the otic capsule in 11/13 cases with postoperative imaging. When bone pate was not used, the otic capsule defect persisted.

Spontaneous repair of the otic capsule following treatment of cholesteatoma is expected to be an uncommon occurrence. Repair of the fistula with bone can result in long-lasting restoration of the otic capsule.

4. Laryngoscope, 128:1643-1648, 2018.