Optimal Duration of MRI Follow-up to Safely Identify Middle Ear Residual Cholesteatoma

Previous studies have demonstrated the usefulness of non-EPI DWI for detection of residual cholesteatoma. However, limited data are available to determine the suitable duration of imaging follow-up after a first MR imaging with normal findings has been obtained. The present study aimed to determine the optimal duration of non-EPI DWI follow-up for residual cholesteatoma.

A retrospective, monocentric study was performed between 2013 and 2019 and included all participants followed up after canal wall up tympanoplasty with at least 2 non-EPI DWI examinations performed on the same 1.5T MR imaging scanner. MR images were reviewed independently by 2 radiologists. Sensitivity and specificity values were calculated as a function of time after the operation. Receiver operating characteristic curves were analyzed to determine the optimal follow-up duration.

We analyzed 47 MRIs from 17 participants. At the end of the individual follow-up period, a residual cholesteatoma had been found in 41.1% of cases. The follow-up duration ranged from 20 to 198 months (mean, 65.9 [SD, 43.9] months). Participants underwent between 2 and 5 non-EPI DWI examinations. Analyses of the receiver operating characteristic curves revealed that the optimal diagnostic value of non-EPI DWI occurred 56 months after the operation when the first MR imaging performed a mean of 17.3 (SD, 6.8) months after the operation had normal findings (sensitivity = 0.71; specificity = 0.7, Youden index = 0.43).

Repeat non-EPI DWI is required to detect slow-growing middle ear residual cholesteatomas. We, therefore, recommend performing non-EPI DWI for at least the first 5 years after the initial operation.