Cholesteatomas of the temporal bone. Preoperative C-T versus peroperative findings

In a series of 25 ears with chronic otitis media the correlation between findings obtained by preoperative C-T of the temporal bone and observations made at surgery was evaluated. The study was performed "blindly", i.e., neither the radiologist nor the surgeon had any knowledge of the other's findings. Cholesteatoma prediction varied with location. Similar observations were made in respect to granulation tissue and erosions. A relatively high percentage of false positives and false negatives was found even in this rather small sample. To obtain better results by C-T, close co-operation and exchange of information between clinician and radiologist appears necessary, along with an explorative attico-antrotomy as a regular part of the operation.