The value of scutum erosion in the diagnosis of temporal bone cholesteatoma.
CONCLUSIONS
Scutum erosion has an important role in the diagnosis of attic cholesteatoma, but it does not appear in other types of cholesteatoma in temporal bone. Without scutum erosion, the existence of cholesteatoma cannot be excluded.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the value of scutum erosion in the diagnosis of cholesteatoma in temporal bone and its limitations.


METHODS
CT scanning and otoscopy were used in all patients who were suspected of developing, or were probably diagnosed with, cholesteatoma in temporal bone. The condition of the scutum was recorded by otoscopy, CT scanning and surgical findings in all patients with cholesteatomas.


RESULTS
Scutum erosion can be shown in attic retraction with cholesteatoma at an early stage, but not in marginal perforation or with posterior retraction with cholesteatoma, or in central perforation or intact tympanic membrane with cholesteatoma, even in relatively late stages.
Yu
Zilong
Z
Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing, PR China.
Han
Demin
D
Gong
Shusheng
S
Wang
Zhenchang
Z
Zhang
Luo
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018424:Cholesteatoma, Middle Ear / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D004424:Ear Canal / Q000473:pathology*; D004432:Ear, Middle / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D038781:Otoscopy; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000473:pathology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014432:Tympanic Membrane / Q000473:pathology; D014433:Tympanoplasty; D055815:Young Adult