title: [Epidermoid formation in the pathogenesis of congenital cholesteatoma--a current review].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Many theories have been suggested regarding the origin, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and incidence of congenital cholesteatoma.
  
  
  METHODS
  An overview on the current literature on congenital cholesteatoma of the middle ear is presented. It comprises the possible etiology and pathogenesis of congenital cholesteatoma. Among other theories, germ scattering, metaplasia, ingrowth of meatal epidermis, and reflux of amniotic fluid have been proposed. Special emphasis is put on the epidermoid formation theory, which has been described by Michaels and others.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is widely accepted that congenital cholesteatomas may originate from the postpartum persistence of epidermoid formations. Nevertheless, a clear transition from epidermoid formation to congenital cholesteatoma has yet to be confirmed.
authors.affiliation: Hals-Nasen-Ohrenklinik, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, St. Elisabeth Hospital. Holger.Sudhoff@ruhr-uni-bochum.de
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sudhoff
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Liang
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dazert
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Borkowski
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Michaels
mesh_terms: D018424:Cholesteatoma, Middle Ear / Q000151:congenital* / Q000209:etiology*; D004432:Ear, Middle / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000196:embryology; D004817:Epidermis / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000196:embryology; D006801:Humans