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To evaluate whether a combined translabyrinthine-transsphenoidal approach can be used to achieve adequate surgical resection of an extensive petrous bone cholesteatoma and create a debris drainage route for the residual cholesteatoma that is maintained long-term.

A 71-year-old man with residual petrous temporal bone cholesteatoma that had spread extensively to the internal carotid artery and posterior cranial fossa.

Surgical resection of the cholesteatoma via a translabyrinthine approach and creation of a debris drainage route into the nasopharynx via a transsphenoidal approach.

Control of unresectable petrous temporal bone cholesteatoma and occurrence of cholesteatoma- or surgery-related complications.

Although complete removal of the cholesteatoma was attempted via a translabyrinthine approach, this was not possible because the epithelium of the cholesteatoma was strongly attached to the internal carotid artery and posterior cranial fossa. A debris drainage route leading to the nasopharynx was crea suitable method for keeping cholesteatoma under control in patients with unresectable petrous bone cholesteatoma.

Cholesteatoma is an inflammatory disease, frequently observed in childrens and young adults, with a risk of relapse or recurrence. The few studies which analyzed cholesteatoma localization on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) usually merged CT-MR images or relied on their authors’ anatomical knowledge. We propose a compartmental reading method of the compartments of the middle ear cavity for an accurate localization of cholesteatomas on MR images alone.

Our method uses easily recognizable anatomical landmarks, seen on both computed tomography (CT) and MRI, to delimit the middle ear compartments (epitympanum, mesotympanum, hypotympanum, retrotympanum, protympanum, antrum-mastoid cavity). We first tested it on 50 patients on non-enhanced temporal bone CT. Then, we evaluated its performances for the localization of cholesteatomas on MRI, compared with surgery on 31 patients (validation cohort).

The selected anatomical landmarks that delimited the middle ear compartments were applicable in 98 to 100% of the cases. In the validation cohort, we were able to accurately localize the cholesteatoma on MRI in 83% of the cases (n = 26) with high sensitivity (95.7%) and specificity (98.6%).

With our compartmental reading method, based on the recognition of well-known anatomical landmarks to differentiate the compartments of the middle ear cavity on MRI, we were able to accurately localize the cholesteatoma with high (>90%) sensitivity and specificity. Such landmarks are widely applicable and only require limited learning time based on key images. Accurate localization of the cholesteatoma is useful for the choice of surgical approach.

90%) sensitivity and specificity. Such landmarks are widely applicable and only require limited learning time based on key images. Accurate localization of the cholesteatoma is useful for the choice of surgical approach.

Describe audiometric outcomes following transmastoid and middle cranial fossa (MCF) approaches for repair of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) otorhinorrhea.

Retrospective case series.

Tertiary skull base referral center.

Adult patients presenting with CSF otorhinorrhea undergoing operative repair between January 2009 and July 2019.

Transmastoid repair, MCF repair, or a combined approach.

Primary outcome measures included preoperative and postoperative four-frequency pure-tone average (PTA), air-bone gap (ABG) and word recognition score. Secondary outcomes included success of repair, recurrence of CSF leak, and length of stay.

Twenty-nine patients underwent 32 operations (mean age 52 yr, 75.9% female). Twenty (62.5%) patients underwent transmastoid repair, while 8 (25%) underwent an MCF approach. Patients had significant postoperative improvement in both PTA (34.8 dB preop vs. 24.5 dB postop, p = 0.003) and ABG (20.2 dB preop vs. 8.6 dB postop, p  = 0.0001). CSF leak recurred in 3 patients (9.4%) over 17-month follow-up. Compared to MCF or combined approaches, transmastoid repair was associated with greater improvement in PTA (15.6 vs. 3.0 dB, p = 0.001) and shorter length of stay (0.3 vs. 1.2 days, p = 0.005). On subset analysis, patients with spontaneous CSF leaks, a single skull base defect, or meningoencephaloceles demonstrated significant audiometric improvements.

The transmastoid approach for repair of CSF otorhinorrhea is effective, safe, and can be done on an outpatient basis. Patients with spontaneous CSF leaks, a single skull base defect, and associated encephaloceles may have better audiometric outcomes.

The transmastoid approach for repair of CSF otorhinorrhea is effective, safe, and can be done on an outpatient basis. Patients with spontaneous CSF leaks, a single skull base defect, and associated encephaloceles may have better audiometric outcomes.

Flat-panel volume computed tomography (fpVCT) and secondary reconstruction allow for more accurate measurements of two-turn length (2TL), cochlear duct length (CDL), and angular length (AL).

Cochlear geometry is a controversially debated topic. In the meantime, there are many different studies partly reporting highly divergent values. EGFR inhibitor Our aim is to discuss the differences and to propose a radiological possibility to improve cochlear measurements using 3D-curved multiplanar reconstruction and fpVCT.

Performing different image modalities and settings, we tried to find a clinically usable option that allows for a high degree of accuracy. Therefore, we tested them against reference values of high-definition micro-computed tomography.

Comparison of 99 μm slice thickness secondary reconstruction of fpVCT and reference showed no significant differences for 2TL and CDL (p ≥ 0.05). Accordingly, ICC (intraclass correlation) values were excellent (ICC ≥ 0.75; lower limit of confidence interval [CI] ≥ 0.75; Cronbach’s alpha [α] ≥ 0.9). Evaluating AL, there was a significant difference (difference -17.27°; p = 0.002). The lower limit of the CI of the ICC was unacceptable (ICC = 0.944; lower limit of CI = 0.248; α = 0.990). Regarding the Bland-Altman plots, there were no clinically unacceptable errors, but a systematic underestimation of AL.

Secondary reconstruction is a suitable tool for producing reliable data that allow the accurate measurement of 2TL and CDL. The option of generating these reconstructions from raw data limits the need for higher radiation doses. Nevertheless, there is an underestimation of AL using secondary reconstructions.

Secondary reconstruction is a suitable tool for producing reliable data that allow the accurate measurement of 2TL and CDL. The option of generating these reconstructions from raw data limits the need for higher radiation doses. Nevertheless, there is an underestimation of AL using secondary reconstructions.