Cholesteatomas in Greenlandic Inuit. A retrospective study and follow-up of treated cases from 1976-91.
Chronic otitis media is frequent among the Inuit in Greenland, but reports of cholesteatomas are rare. To describe cholesteatoma in Greenland, we have performed a retrospective study and follow-up of Greenlandic Inuit treated at the ENT-department, Rigshospitalet, Denmark in the period 1976-91. We found 35 Greenlandic Inuit with cholesteatoma, the first in 1976. Median age was 19 years. The total incidence was calculated to 5 per 100.000 per year, or 2 new cases per year. The geographical distribution showed less cholesteatomas among the people with a traditional way of life in the Hunter region. The complication rate was 11%. The extension and pathology of the cholesteatomas indicated late and infrequent contact with an ENT specialist. The follow-up study revealed 53% dry ears with intact tympanic membrane, and 47% with intermittent ear discharge. Residual or recurrent cholesteatoma was found in 46% of the patients, less frequently when the primary operation included mastoidectomy with canal wall-down technique. We recommend this operation in most Greenlandic Inuit with cholesteatomas.
Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Homøe
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Bretlau
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002781:Cholesteatoma / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000208:ethnology*; D004427:Ear Diseases / Q000208:ethnology*; D006116:Greenland / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D004930:Inuit; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies