A systematic review of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of postoperative cholesteatoma

Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Cholesteatoma Using PROPELLER at 1.5T: A Single-Centre Retrospective Study

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the diffusion-weighted periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction (PROPELLER) technique in the detection of cholesteatoma at our institution with surgical confirmation in all cases.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 21 consecutive patients who underwent diffusion-weighted PROPELLER magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on a 1.5T MRI scanner prior to primary or revision/second-look surgery for suspected cholesteatoma from 2009-2012 was performed.

RESULTS

Diffusion-weighted PROPELLER had a sensitivity of 75%, specificity of 60%, positive predictive value of 86%, and negative predictive value of 43%. In the 15 patients for whom the presence or absence of cholesteatoma was correctly predicted, there were 2 cases where the reported locations of diffusion restriction did not correspond to the location of the cholesteatoma observed at surgery.

CONCLUSION

On the basis of our retrospective study, we conclude that diffusion-weighted PROPELLER MRI is not sufficiently accurate to replace second look surgery at our institution.

Non-echoplanar diffusion weighted imaging in the detection of post-operative middle ear cholesteatoma: navigating beyond the pitfalls to find the pearl

Abstract

Non-echoplanar diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) has established itself as the modality of choice in detecting and localising post-operative middle ear cleft cholesteatoma. Despite its good diagnostic performance, there are recognised pitfalls in its radiological interpretation which both the radiologist and otologist should be aware of. Our article highlights the various pitfalls and provides guidance for improving radiological interpretation and navigating beyond many of the pitfalls. It is recommended radiological practice to interpret the diffusion weighted images together with the ADC map and supplement with the corresponding T1 weighted and T2 weighted images, all of which can contribute to and enhance lesion localisation and characterisation. ADC values are also helpful in improving specificity and confidence levels. Given the limitation in sensitivity in detecting small cholesteatoma less than 3 mm, serial monitoring with DWI over time is recommended to allow any small residual cholesteatoma pearls to grow and become large enough to be detected on DWI. Optimising image acquisition and discussing at a joint clinico-radiological meeting both foster good radiological interpretation to navigate beyond the pitfalls and ultimately good patient care.

Teaching Points

• Non-echoplanar DWI is the imaging of choice in detecting post-operative cholesteatoma.

• There are recognised pitfalls which may hinder accurate radiological interpretation.

• Interpret with the ADC map /values and T1W and T2W images.

• Serial DWI monitoring is of value in detection and characterisation.

• Optimising image acquisition and discussing at clinico-radiological meetings enhance radiological interpretation.

The Efficacy of Color-Mapped Diffusion-Weighted Images Combined With CT in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Cholesteatoma Using Transcanal Endoscopic Ear Surgery

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of a color-mapped diffusion-weighted image combined with a computed tomography scan (CMDWI-CT) in preoperatively evaluating the anatomical location of cholesteatomas and determining whether a patient is indicated for transcanal endoscopic ear surgery (TEES) to reduce intraoperative switching to microscopic ear surgery (MES).

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective case study.

SETTING

A single university hospital.

PATIENTS

Fifty-five patients scheduled for middle ear cholesteatoma surgery.

INTERVENTION

The CMDWI-CT is produced in a multistep process. A color-mapped fusion image (CMFI) is created by performing MR cisternography on a 1-mm thin-slice nonecho planar diffusion-weighted imaging (non-EPI DWI) and then by performing color mapping on the resulting image to enhance cholesteatoma visualization. False positives are reduced by taking a T1-weighted image (T1WI), whereas false negatives are further reduced by preoperative endoscopic examination. As cholesteatomas are difficult to locate on a CMFI in the temporal bone region, we stripped out the MR cisternography data from the CMFI and then fused the CMFI to the initial computer tomography (CT) scan to create a CMDWI-CT. This CMDWI-CT better clarifies the cholesteatoma position within temporal bone.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

CMDWI-CT preoperative findings were compared with intraoperative findings. The positive predictive value and negative predictive value were also evaluated depending on the cholesteatoma location.

RESULTS

CMDWI-CT facilitated accurate detection of the cholesteatoma anatomical location in the temporal bone region which was reflected in positive predictive and negative predictive values of over 90% for all areas of the middle ear.

CONCLUSION

CMDWI-CT is a reliable diagnostic modality for evaluating the anatomical location of cholesteatomas that seem as high-signal regions on a CMFI and for determining whether TEES is indicated for treatment in such patients.

Cost analysis and outcomes of a second-look tympanoplasty-mastoidectomy strategy for cholesteatoma

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To analyze cost and compare cholesteatoma recidivism and hearing outcomes with single-stage and second-look operative strategies.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review and cost analysis.

METHODS

Adult and pediatric patients who underwent a tympanoplasty with mastoidectomy for cholesteatoma with a single-stage or second-look operative strategy were identified. Variables included procedure approach, residual or recurrent cholesteatoma, ossicular chain reconstruction frequency, and operative complications. Audiologic outcomes included pre-/postoperative air bone gap (ABG) and word recognition score (WRS). Cost analysis included charges for consultation and follow-up visits, surgical procedures, computed tomography temporal bone scans, and audiology visits.

RESULTS

One hundred and six patients had a tympanoplasty with mastoidectomy for cholesteatoma, with 80 canal wall-up procedures (CWU) as initial approach. Of these, 46 (57.5%) CWU patients had a planned second look. Two (4.3%) CWU patients had recurrent cholesteatoma and 20 (43.4%) had residual identified at second look. Four (11.7%) single-stage CWU strategy patients developed recurrent cholesteatoma. There was no significant difference in pre-/postoperative ABG and WRS between second look and single stage (P > 0.05). Compared to second-look patients, single-stage patients had significantly fewer postoperative visits (6.32 vs. 10.4; P = 0.007), and significantly lower overall charges for care ($23,529. vs. $41.411; P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The goal of cholesteatoma surgery is to produce a safe ear, and a second-look strategy after CWU has historically been used to evaluate for recurrent or residual disease. The cholesteatoma recurrence rate at a second look after a CWU tympanoplasty-mastoidectomy is low. Costs of operative procedures are a significant proportion of healthcare resource expenditures. Considering the low rate of cholesteatoma recurrence and relatively high cost of care, implementation of a second-look strategy should be individually tailored and not universally performed.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4. Laryngoscope, 126:2574-2579, 2016.

Imaging innovations in temporal bone disorders

The development of new imaging techniques coupled with new treatment algorithms has created new possibilities in treating temporal bone diseases. This article provides an overview of recent imaging innovations that can be applied to temporal bone diseases. Topics covered include the role of magnetic resonance (MR) diffusion-weighted imaging in cholesteatomas and skull base epidermoids, whole-body molecular imaging in paragangliomas of the jugular foramen, and MR arterial spin labeling perfusion for dural arteriovenous fistulas and arteriovenous malformations.

Comparing diffusion weighted MRI in the detection of post-operative middle ear cholesteatoma in children and adults

INTRODUCTION

There is a limited evidence base for the use of diffusion weighted MRI (DWMRI) in the assessment of post-operative cholesteatoma in children. This is important to address as this technique is particularly relevant in a paediatric setting.

METHODS

We searched a prospectively collected database of patients undergoing DWMRI for the assessment of residual and recurrent cholesteatoma. Imaging findings were correlated with findings at revision surgery. 320 investigations were divided into paediatric and adult groups (90 in children, 230 in adults) and compared.

RESULTS

Operative findings were available for 158 cases, of which 54 were children. The accuracy of DWMRI in children was 96.3%, and in adults was 88.5%. There were no statistically significant differences in the sensitivity, specificity, positive or negative predictive values between adults and children.

DISCUSSION

An increasing number of patients are not undergoing confirmatory surgery after negative DWMRI scans. False negative results are commonly secondary to small foci of disease; false positives have several possible causes. Performing MRI on children can be challenging, but sedation may be helpful in younger children.

CONCLUSION

The performance of diffusion weighted MRI is similar in paediatric and adult settings. This study suggests that DWMRI may be used in clinical practice in a similar way in children and adults.

A Systematic Review of Non-Echo Planar Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Detection of Primary and Postoperative Cholesteatoma

Objective

To investigate the diagnostic value of non–echo planar diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) for primary and recurrent/residual (postoperative) cholesteatoma in adults (≥18 years) after canal wall up surgery.

Data Sources

We conducted a systematic search in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane up to October 22, 2014.

Review methods

All studies investigating non–echo planar DW-MRI for primary and postoperative cholesteatoma were selected and critically appraised for relevance and validity.

Results

In total, 779 unique articles were identified, of which 23 articles were included for critical appraisal. Seven articles met our criteria for relevance and validity for postoperative cholesteatoma. Four studies were additionally included for subgroup analysis of primary cases only. Ranges of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value yielded 43%-92%, 58%-100%, 50%-100% and 64%-100%, respectively. Results for primary subgroup analysis were 83%-100%, 50%-100%, 85%-100%, and 50%-100%, respectively. Results for subgroup analysis for only postoperative cases yielded 80%-82%, 90%-100%, 96%-100%, 64%-85%, respectively. Despite a higher prevalence of cholesteatoma in the primary cases, there was no clinical difference in added value of DW-MRI between primary and postoperative cases.

Conclusion

We found a high predictive value of non–echo planar DW-MRI for the detection of primary and postoperative cholesteatoma. Given the moderate quality of evidence, we strongly recommend both the use of non-echo planar DW-MRI scans for the follow-up after cholesteatoma surgery, and when the correct diagnosis is questioned in primary preoperative cases.

Magnetic resonance imaging at one year for detection of postoperative residual cholesteatoma in children: Is it too early?

OBJECTIVE

To compare the residual cholesteatoma detection accuracy of diffusion-weighted (DW) and T1 delayed sequences for magnetic resonance at one year postoperative with second-look surgery in pediatric patients who have undergone primary middle ear surgery for cholesteatoma.

METHODS

This was a prospective monocentric consecutive study conducted in a tertiary academic referral center. Children were referred for MR imaging (MRI) one year after surgery. A 1.5T MRI was utilized, using nonecho-planar DW images and delayed gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted images. Accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging was assessed by two radiologists before surgery. Interobserver and intraobserver agreements were assessed using the κ test. Magnetic resonance imaging data were compared with surgery, which was considered as the gold standard.

RESULTS

Twenty-four consecutive unselected pediatric patients were included. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for the first observer were of 40%, 86%, 67%, and 67%, respectively, and those for the second observer were 30%, 86%, 60%, and 63%, respectively. The only two cholesteatoma with a size superior to 3mm were diagnosed before surgery, but the majority of small cholesteatoma were not detected.

CONCLUSIONS

MRI is a key examen to diagnosed the residual cholesteatoma but is limited by the size of the lesion under 3mm. Delaying the realization of MRI during follow-up could increase sensitivity, thus avoiding misdiagnosis as well as unnecessary second look surgery.

Non-echoplanar diffusion-weighted MRI in children and adolescents with cholesteatoma: reliability and pitfalls in comparison to middle ear surgery

BACKGROUND

Currently, there is only limited and contradictory evidence of the role of diffusion-weighted MRI (DW-MRI) in the management of children with cholesteatoma.

OBJECTIVE

To provide surgically controlled data that may allow to replace second-look surgery by non-echoplanar DW-MRI in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-five children and adolescents with a median age of 8.6 years (2.2-17.7 years) underwent 61 preoperative half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin-echo (HASTE) DW-MRI of their petrous bone. Surgical interventions followed within 24 h (79%), within 5 months (20%) or at 18 months (1 case).

RESULTS

Surgery detected a cholesteatoma or retraction pocket in 41 of 61 cases (67%). In 49 cases (80%), the MR result was confirmed by surgical findings. Two MR findings were false-positive and 10 false-negative (including cholesteatomas <4 mm). HASTE DW-MRI alone had a sensitivity of 76% and a specificity of 90%. The positive predictive value was 94%, the negative predictive value 64%. In combination with preoperative otoscopy, sensitivity was 90% and negative predictive value 82%.

CONCLUSION

DW-MRI correctly detected the majority of lesions but could not reliably exclude small cholesteatomas and empty retraction pockets. We would therefore not generally recommend MR as a substitute for second-look surgery.

Updates and knowledge gaps in cholesteatoma research

The existence of acquired cholesteatoma has been recognized for more than three centuries; however, the nature of the disorder has yet to be determined. Without timely detection and intervention, cholesteatomas can become dangerously large and invade intratemporal structures, resulting in numerous intra- and extracranial complications. Due to its aggressive growth, invasive nature, and the potentially fatal consequences of intracranial complications, acquired cholesteatoma remains a cause of morbidity and death for those who lack access to advanced medical care. Currently, no viable nonsurgical therapies are available. Developing an effective management strategy for this disorder will require a comprehensive understanding of past progress and recent advances. This paper presents a brief review of background issues related to acquired middle ear cholesteatoma and deals with practical considerations regarding the history and etymology of the disorder. We also consider issues related to the classification, epidemiology, histopathology, clinical presentation, and complications of acquired cholesteatoma and examine current diagnosis and management strategies in detail.

Diagnostic capacity of non-echo planar diffusion-weighted MRI in the detection of primary and recurrent cholesteatoma

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS

the aim of this study was to determine the certainty of non-echo-planar imaging diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (non-EPI DW MRI) in the diagnosis of primary and recurrent cholesteatoma in patients with clinical suspicion of cholesteatoma, assessing the sensitivity and specificity of the test in both groups.

METHODS

Seventy-five patients with clinical suspicion of cholesteatoma were included in our study. Forty-eight cases had primary suspicion of cholesteatoma and 27 cases had recurrent suspicion of cholesteatoma. All patients received non-EPI DW MRI tests before surgery, and radiological and surgical findings were compared.

RESULTS

Sensitivity, specificity and the positive and negative predictive value for primary diagnosis of cholesteatoma group were 91.2%, 50%, 81.6% and 70%, respectively. For the recurrent cholesteatoma group these results were 100%, 66.7%, 90.9% and 100%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Non-echo-planar imaging diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging is a high sensitivity imaging test for detecting cholesteatoma, for both primary diagnosis and for recurrent cases.

Hearing and facial function after surgical removal of cholesteatomas involving petrous bone

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to inspect the clinical characteristics, surgical approaches, functional preservation, and complications of petrous bone cholesteatoma and to propose appropriate surgical approaches based on long-term follow-up cases and previous reports in the literature.

Methods

The medical records of 31 patients who underwent surgery for petrous bone cholesteatoma between 1990 and 2011 at two tertiary referral hospitals were retrospectively analyzed with regard to the classification, type of surgical approach, preservation of facial and auditory function, and recurrence.

Results

Of 31 cases, 16 were supralabyrinthine (class I), 1 was infralabyrinthine-apical (class III), 13 were massive (class IV), and 1 was apical (class V). Facial nerve palsy was found in 35.5% of the cases (11 cases). Hearing was preserved in 11 of 22 patients who had better than a 50-dB hearing level of bone conduction pure tone average preoperatively. Preoperative hearing was preserved in only four of the patients in class I (supralabyrinthine). Facial function was preserved or improved in 29 patients (93.5%).

Conclusion

Complete removal of cholesteatoma of petrous bone can be achieved by choosing the appropriate approach based on location and extent. Facial function was preserved postoperatively in most reviewed cases. Auditory function could not be preserved postoperatively in some cases, but preserving residual hearing levels can be accomplished mostly in supralabyrinthine cholesteatomas with the appropriate surgical approach.

Advances in magnetic resonance imaging of the skull base

Introduction Over the past 20 years, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has advanced due to new techniques involving increased magnetic field strength and developments in coils and pulse sequences. These advances allow increased opportunity to delineate the complex skull base anatomy and may guide the diagnosis and treatment of the myriad of pathologies that can affect the skull base. Objectives The objective of this article is to provide a brief background of the development of MRI and illustrate advances in skull base imaging, including techniques that allow improved conspicuity, characterization, and correlative physiologic assessment of skull base pathologies. Data Synthesis Specific radiographic illustrations of increased skull base conspicuity including the lower cranial nerves, vessels, foramina, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, and effacement of endolymph are provided. In addition, MRIs demonstrating characterization of skull base lesions, such as recurrent cholesteatoma versus granulation tissue or abscess versus tumor, are also provided as well as correlative clinical findings in CSF flow studies in a patient pre- and post-suboccipital decompression for a Chiari I malformation. Conclusions This article illustrates MRI radiographic advances over the past 20 years, which have improved clinicians' ability to diagnose, define, and hopefully improve the treatment and outcomes of patients with underlying skull base pathologies.

The value of non echo planar, diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging for the detection of residual or recurrent middle-ear cholesteatoma

Objective:

To determine the value of non echo planar, diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging for detection of residual and recurrent middle-ear cholesteatoma after combined-approach tympanoplasty.

Method:

The magnetic resonance imaging findings after primary surgery for cholesteatoma were compared with intra-operative findings at ‘second-look’ surgery or with clinical follow-up findings.

Results:

Forty-eight magnetic resonance imaging studies were performed in 38 patients. Second-look surgery was performed 21 times in 18 patients. The remaining patients were followed up at the out-patient clinic. There were no false-positive findings with non echo planar, diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging; however, there were four false-negative findings. The mean maximum diameter of recurrent cholesteatoma, as assessed using magnetic resonance imaging, was 11.7 mm (range, 4.4–25.3 mm). The sensitivity of non echo planar, diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging for detecting cholesteatoma prior to second-look surgery was 0.76, with a specificity of 1.00. When clinical follow up of the non-operated ears was included in the analysis, sensitivity was 0.81 and specificity was 1.00.

Conclusion:

Recurrent cholesteatoma can be accurately detected using non echo planar, diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Our study, however, also showed some false-negative results. Therefore, strict out-patient follow up is mandatory for those considering using this technique instead of standard second-look surgery.

Imaging for evaluation of cholesteatoma: current concepts and future directions

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To examine the rationale and utility of imaging in patients with known or suspected cholesteatoma, with emphasis on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and diffusion-weighted MRI (DW-MRI).

RECENT FINDINGS

The initial diagnosis of cholesteatoma is largely based on patient history and clinical findings. HRCT scan can be a useful adjunct to define the presence of pathologic soft tissue in the temporal bone, and the extent of bony erosion, and inform the otologic surgeon about expected findings at the time of surgery. Although MRI has not traditionally been used in the evaluation of cholesteatoma given its poor resolution of bone anatomy, recent advances in DW-MRI sequences allow for high sensitivity and specificity in identifying the presence of cholesteatoma. More specifically, non-echo-planar DW-MRI is superior in the detection of residual or recurrent cholesteatoma compared to delayed-contrast MRI and echo-planar DW-MRI.

SUMMARY

HRCT and DW-MRI offer complementary anatomic information that can be used effectively in the management of cholesteatoma. DW-MRI imaging has proven to be a reliable method for detecting residual or recurrent cholesteatomas down to 3 mm in size, and allows radiologic differentiation between cholesteatoma and other soft tissue. As more centers implement DW-MRI imaging for detecting residual or recurrent cholesteatoma, there will likely be less need for second-look surgery, thereby potentially decreasing associated morbidity and surgical costs.

Predictive value of middle ear aeration before second-stage operation in staged tympanoplasty with soft-wall reconstruction

CONCLUSION

The extent of middle ear aeration before second-stage canal wall-down (CWD) tympanoplasty was correlated with postoperative middle ear stability.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate middle ear aeration before second-stage CWD tympanoplasty as a predictor of postoperative re-aeration potential and external auditory canal (EAC) stability in staged CWD tympanoplasty with soft-wall reconstruction (SWR).

METHODS

Middle ear aeration was evaluated before and at 1 year after the second-stage operation in patients who underwent staged CWD tympanoplasty with SWR for middle ear cholesteatoma. Based on the computed tomography (CT) findings, middle ear aeration was graded as A when the mastoid and tympanic cavities were aerated, B when only the tympanic cavity was aerated, and C in cases with no aeration in the tympanic cavity. We also examined postoperative EAC stability.

RESULTS

Forty-one ears were included. In all, 17 of 19 ears (89.5%) with grade A aeration preoperatively maintained grade A aeration postoperatively, while 5 of 18 ears (27.8%) with grade B aeration had grade A aeration, and no ear with grade C aeration had recovered grade A aeration. All ears with grade A aeration preoperatively maintained smooth EACs. EAC retraction requiring additional treatment occurred in five ears with grade B aeration and all ears with grade C aeration.

Cartilage "shield" tympanoplasty: an effective and practical technique

The aim of the present study is to report our results with cartilage "shield" tympanoplasty (CST) for total tympanic membrane perforations. A retrospective chart review of patients undergoing CST was performed in tertiary referral centers. One hundred and seventy-seven patients who had undergone CST were identified. Patients' age ranged from 7 to 74 (mean 35) years. The mean postoperative follow-up was 23 (range 6-73) months. The main outcome measures were Graft take, pre and postsurgery audiologic evaluation. Graft take was 97.2%. Three patients developed recurrent cholesteatomas, one an anterior pinhole perforation, and one a minimal graft anterior lateralization. The average pre and postoperative pure-tone air-bone gaps (PTA-ABG) were 32.06 ± 11.21 and 18.69 ± 10.53 dB, respectively. The overall average ABG improvement was 13.37 ± 9.34 dB. An overall postoperative ABG of 25 dB or less was achieved in 140 of the 177 patients (79.1%). Hearing improvement was statistically significant in all cases (p < 0.0001). Cartilage shield tympanoplasty is a very reliable procedure. Graft take is excellent and hearing improvement is significant.

Apparent diffusion coefficients for detection of postoperative middle ear cholesteatoma on non-echo-planar diffusion-weighted images

PURPOSE

To determine whether there is a difference between the apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) of postoperative middle ear cleft cholesteatoma and noncholesteatomatous tissue on half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin-echo diffusion-weighted (DW) images and to determine, with interobserver agreement, a predictive accuracy for diagnosis of postoperative middle ear cleft cholesteatoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients who underwent DW magnetic resonance (MR) examination before repeat explorative surgery for postoperative cholesteatoma were included in this study. There were 72 patient episodes and 56 patients. DW MR images were acquired with b values 0 and 1000 sec/mm(2) and 2-mm section thicknesses. Two observers assessed images qualitatively for presence of cholesteatoma and recorded ADCs. Surgery with histologic confirmation established final diagnosis of abnormal middle ear cleft soft tissue. ADCs between cholesteatoma and noncholesteatomatous tissue were compared with Mann-Whitney test. Effects of ADCs and confidence intervals to indicate presence of cholesteatoma were examined by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, logistic regression analysis, and interobserver agreement.

RESULTS

Forty-six patients had cholesteatoma and 25 patients did not; sensitivity and specificity were 0.91 and 0.88, respectively, for the qualitative diagnosis of postoperative cholesteatoma by using a five-point confidence scale. ADC of cholesteatoma (median, 707 × 10(-6) mm(2)/sec; interquartile range, 539-858 × 10(-6) mm(2)/sec; P < .001) was significantly lower than that of noncholesteatomatous tissue (median, 1849 × 10(-6) mm(2)/sec; interquartile range, 1574-1982 × 10(-6) mm(2)/sec; P < .001). There was good accuracy (area under the ROC curve, 0.97) and interobserver agreement for detecting postoperative cholesteatoma with ADC threshold less than 1300 × 10(-6) mm(2)/sec.

CONCLUSION

The ADC value of postoperative middle ear cleft cholesteatoma is significantly lower than that of noncholesteatomatous tissue and has good accuracy for detecting cholesteatoma.

Non-echo planar diffusion-weighted MRI increases follow-up accuracy after one-step step canal wall-down obliteration surgery for cholesteatoma

CONCLUSION

Non-echo planar (non-EPI) diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) increases the number of detected cholesteatoma after one-step canal wall-down (CWD) obliteration surgery for cholesteatoma compared with clinical evaluation alone.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the use of DW-MRI for detection of cholesteatoma after surgical treatment using a CWD obliteration technique.

METHODS

Thirty-eight adult patients (41 ears) treated with an identical one-step CWD obliteration surgical technique were included in a prospective and blinded study. All patients were investigated with non-EPI and EPI DW-MRI 1-9 months after the clinical examination. Follow-up time after primary surgery varied between 10 and 234 months. DW-MRI was assessed by two neuroradiologists and compared with clinical results. Inter-rater agreement was calculated. Positive non-EPI DW-MRI cases underwent revision surgery within 18-159 days after imaging.

RESULTS

Seven of 41 cases were evaluated as positive for cholesteatoma on non-EPI DW-MRI. Since one patient refused surgery six of these seven cases underwent surgical revision and all were verified. There was agreement between clinical and non-EPI findings in five of eight cases. EPI findings correlated poorly with non-EPI and clinical findings. Inter-rater agreement (Cohen's kappa) was 0.91 for non-EPI DW-MRI (p < 0.001) and -0.062 for EPI DW-MRI (p = 0.43).

Does diffusion-weighted MRI (DW-MRI) change treatment strategy in pediatric cholesteatoma?

CONCLUSION

This review highlights the currently limited and contradictory evidence on the role of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) in the management of pediatric cholesteatoma patients. Available data confirm the need for prospective DW-MRI studies of a larger number of pediatric patients. Factors such as patient compliance, adhesion to follow-up or local logistic circumstances should also be considered.

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review aimed to collect and analyze the body of evidence on the usefulness of DW-MRI in first-stage tympanoplasty and in replacing second-look surgery in children with cholesteatoma.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of medical databases was conducted. The keywords used were pediatric/paediatric, magnetic resonance imaging, MRI, DW-MRI, cholesteatoma, child, and all meaningful combinations of them.

RESULTS

Only one study with 17 patients primarily fulfilled all criteria. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 62%, 88%, 89%, and 58%, respectively. A second study retrospectively analyzed a subset of younger patients (n = 21) of a larger population. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 100%. One additional study described 1 child and 11 adolescents among 32 cases. In all cases the correlation between imaging and surgery findings was 100%. There were no randomized controlled trials and power calculations were not performed.

[The use of MRI DWI-imaging in assessment of cholesteatoma recurrences after canal wall up technique]

INTRODUCTION

The use of closed technique in cholesteatoma treatment carries a significant risk of development of residual disease thus requires a second look operation in a proportion of patients. In those with no residual cholesteatoma the second surgery could be avoided.

THE AIM OF THE STUDY

was to evaluate the use of non-echo planar HASTE diffusion-weighted MR imaging in the detection of cholesteatoma in patients after canal wall up surgery due to cholesteatoma.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We evaluate the results of half-Fourier-acquisition single-shot turbo-spin-echo (HASTE) diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in 18 patients after canal wall up surgery performed 6 to 20 months after primary surgery. 16 patients were operated in our center and 2 elsewhere. All the patients underwent second look surgery that verified the result of MRI scanning.

RESULTS

MRI DWI detected 2 cholesteatomas in patients operated elsewhere and none in patients operated in our center. Four cholesteatomas were found during second look operations. Two false negatives were in 1 patient with cholesteatoma pearl of less than 2mm in diameter and in 1 patient with mural cholesteatoma. There were no false positive results.

CONCLUSION

Non EPI MRI DWI can be used as a screening tool to detect residual or recurrent cholesteatoma and may substitute the need of second look surgery.