Computed tomography of local complications of temporal bone cholesteatomas

The preoperative temporal bone CT scans of 13 patients with surgically proven acquired cholesteatoma were retrospectively reviewed for bony erosions and for extension beyond the temporal bone. A correlation with the clinical and surgical findings was also carried out. The CT findings are discussed and illustrated as well as some pitfalls in the evaluation of bony erosions. The appearance of "autoantrectomy" caused by a dry, self-cleaning, well ventilated cholesteatoma is also discussed and illustrated.