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Factors affecting the correlation between high-resolution computed tomography and operative findings in cholesteatoma surgery – a systematic review
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 29 July 2025
Abstract
Objective
Cholesteatoma is a pathological growth of squamous epithelium in the middle ear and mastoid. Pre-operative high-resolution computed tomography is commonly performed to guide the surgical approach and evaluate disease extent. The purpose of this review is to demonstrate the level of correlation between high-resolution computed tomography and intra-operative findings during cholesteatoma surgery.
Method
Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched in December 2024 for studies comparing high-resolution computed tomography and intra-operative findings of adult patients diagnosed with cholesteatoma.
Results
Out of 2514 abstracts identified, 15 were included. The correlation between pre-operative high-resolution computed tomography and intra-operative findings was strongest for the identification of erosion of the malleus (k = 0.77), followed by the lateral semicircular canal and tegmen tympani (k = 0.69). The weakest correlation was found for facial nerve dehiscence (k = 0.55).
Conclusion
High-resolution computed tomography is useful for providing a roadmap for surgery. It offers a strong correlation for intra-operative detection of malleus, incus, lateral semicircular canal and tegmen tympani involvement.
Information
- Type
- Review Article
- Information
- Copyright
- © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of J.L.O. (1984) LIMITED.
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