Importance of a dedicated neuroradiologist in reporting high-resolution computed tomography for otosclerosis: a retrospective comparison study of 40 patients.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to compare the reporting of high-resolution computed tomography of temporal bones for otosclerosis by general radiologists and a neuroradiologist within a local National Health Service Trust.


METHODS
A retrospective case review of 36 high-resolution temporal bone computed tomography images obtained between 2008 and 2015 from 40 otosclerosis patients (surgically confirmed) was performed in a district general hospital setting. The main outcome measures were correct identification of otosclerosis by high-resolution computed tomography and adherence to the petrous temporal bone imaging protocol.


RESULTS
Correct diagnosis rates were significantly different when made by general radiologists vs a neuroradiologist (p < 0.0001; two-tailed Fisher's exact test). None of the high-resolution computed tomography scans adhered to the temporal bone imaging protocol.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of high-resolution computed tomography for suspected otosclerosis is helpful for diagnosis, disease staging, obtaining informed consent, surgical planning and prognosis. This study suggests that radiological detection of otosclerotic changes by high-resolution computed tomography of the temporal bone is significantly better when performed by a dedicated neuroradiologist than by a general radiologist. Use of a standardised temporal bone computed tomography protocol is recommended to provide consistently high-quality images for maximising disease detection.
Department of Otolaryngology,Whipps Cross University Hospital,London,UK.
H
H
Kanona
Department of Otolaryngology,Whipps Cross University Hospital,London,UK.
I
I
Rana
Radiology Department,Royal London Hospital,Barts Health NHS Trust,UK.
C
C
Offiah
Department of Otolaryngology,Whipps Cross University Hospital,London,UK.
N
N
Patel
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003951:Diagnostic Errors / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000072141:Neurologists; D009485:Neuroradiography / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D010040:Otosclerosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D010579:Petrous Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D000072177:Radiologists; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards
 Computed Tomography; Otosclerosis; Radiology