3D HRCT Analysis of Supratubal Recess Volume in Chronic Otitis Media: A Case-Control Study

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Radiology
• Anatomy

Background:

• The supratubal recess (STR) is an anatomical region relevant to middle ear pathologies.
• Understanding STR volume variations is crucial for evaluating chronic otitis media (COM).
• Three-dimensional high-resolution computed tomography (3D HRCT) allows detailed volumetric analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between supratubal recess (STR) volume and chronic otitis media (COM).
• To explore the relationship of STR volume with mastoid pneumatization and patient age.
• To utilize 3D HRCT for precise STR volumetric measurements.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 152 adult patients with COM and 35 controls using 3D HRCT.
• Manual segmentation of STR on HRCT scans to calculate volume, validated by radiologists.
• Analysis of STR volume in relation to mastoid pneumatization types (pneumatized, diploic, sclerotic), age, and COM subgroups (CSOM, CNSOM).

Main Results:

• STR volume was significantly higher in pneumatized mastoids compared to diploic and sclerotic types.
• No significant baseline STR volume differences were found among CSOM, CNSOM, and control groups via univariate analysis.
• Multivariable regression revealed positive associations of both CSOM and CNSOM with STR volume, and negative associations for diploic and sclerotic mastoids compared to pneumatized mastoids.

Conclusions:

• Mastoid pneumatization is a primary determinant of STR volume.
• STR volume is independently associated with COM type, with age and sex having negligible impact in adults.
• 3D HRCT volumetry enhances anatomical understanding of the STR for radiological evaluations.