Association of Radiologic Findings of Otosclerosis Using Photon-Counting Computed Tomography With Hearing

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Radiology
• Audiology

Background:

• Otosclerosis is a condition affecting the middle ear, leading to hearing loss.
• High-resolution imaging techniques are crucial for understanding the extent of otosclerotic plaque.
• Photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) offers enhanced visualization of subtle abnormalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between the extent of otosclerotic plaque, visualized by PCCT, and hearing outcomes.
• To determine if plaque extent correlates with surgical results in otosclerosis patients.

Main Methods:

• A historical cohort study was conducted at a large academic center.
• Patients with otosclerosis underwent PCCT imaging at their initial evaluation.
• Audiometric data were collected to assess hearing loss and surgical outcomes.

Main Results:

• The study included 53 ears; mean oval window plaque extent was 112 degrees and depth was 1.6mm.
• Neither plaque extent nor depth showed a significant association with air-bone gap or Carhart degree.
• In surgically treated ears (n=22), plaque characteristics did not correlate with postoperative audiologic changes.

Conclusions:

• PCCT imaging, despite its enhanced visualization, did not reveal a significant association between otosclerotic plaque extent and the severity of hearing loss.
• The extent and depth of oval window otosclerotic plaque were not predictive of audiologic outcomes, either preoperatively or postoperatively.