Cholesteatoma
- A Cholesteatoma is a central collection of desquamated keratinized cells bound by a thin layer of squamous epithelial cells
- Generally an acquired lesion in the setting of chronic otitis media and uncommonly a congenital lesion
- Most common site is the lateral epitympanum (Prussak space is a sub-site), associated with the pars flaccida of the tympanic membrane
- Locally destructive lesion that erodes bone/ossicles, presenting with conductive hearing loss and ear drainage
- The findings of a cholesteatomas on CT is most typically soft tissue in the lateral epitympanic space (which includes Prussak space)
- On T2-weighted MR images, Cholesteatomas are hyperintense
- On T1 pre-contrast images, cholesteatomas are typically hypointense; which helps to distinguish them from cholesterol granulomas
- T1 post-contrast images may show a thin rim of enhancement, however, no central enhancement should be seen
- DWI images, key for identification, show central restricted diffusion; nonecho planar diffusion-weighted imaging (such as HASTE) has improved sensitivity over conventional DWI because of proximity to air in mastoid/middle ear
- Differential considerations include cholesterol granuloma (T1 bright and will not restrict diffusion), paraganglioma, and vascular malformation (will enhance)
- Look for bone destruction on temporal bone CT and restriction on HASTE diffusion
- Can also occur in the mastoid air cells and petrous apex
- De Foer B, Vercruysse JP, Bernaerts A, Meersschaert J, Kenis C, Pouillon M, De Beuckeleer L, Michiels J, Bogaerts K, Deckers F, Somers T. Middle ear cholesteatoma: non–echo-planar diffusion-weighted MR imaging versus delayed gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted MR imaging—value in detection. Radiology 2010 255(3):866-72
- Chapman PR, Shah R, Curé JK, Bag AK. Petrous apex lesions: pictorial review. American Journal of Roentgenology 2011 196(3_supplement):WS26-37
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