m^(6)A modification of lncRNA in middle ear cholesteatoma

Objective:Middle ear cholesteatoma is a non-tumorous condition that typically leads to hearing loss,bone destruction,and other severe complications.Despite surgery being the primary treatment,the recurrence rate remains high.Therefore,exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying cholesteatoma is crucial for discovering new therapeutic approaches.This study aims to explore the involvement of N6-methyladenosine(m^(6)A)methylation in long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs)in the biological functions and related pathways of middle ear cholesteatoma.Methods:The m^(6)A modification patterns of lncRNA in middle ear cholesteatoma tissues(n=5)and normal post-auricular skin tissues(n=5)were analyzed using an lncRNA m^(6)A transcriptome microarray.Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway analyses were conducted to identify potential biological functions and signaling pathways involved in the pathogenesis of middle ear cholesteatoma.Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation(MeRIP)-PCR was used to validate the m^(6)A modifications in cholesteatoma and normal skin tissues.Results:Compared with normal skin tissues,1525 lncRNAs were differentially methylated in middle ear cholesteatoma tissues,with 1048 showing hypermethylation and 477 showing hypomethylation[fold change(FC)≥3 or<1/3,P<0.05].GO enrichment analysis indicated that hypermethylated lncRNAs were involved in protein phosphatase inhibitor activity,neuron-neuron synapse,and regulation ofα-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid(AMPA)receptor activity.Hypomethylated lncRNAs were associated with mRNA methyltransferase activity,secretory granule membrane,and mRNA methylation.KEGG analysis revealed that hypermethylated lncRNAs were mainly associated with 5 pathways:the Hedgehog signaling pathway,viral protein interaction with cytokines and cytokine receptors,mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)signaling pathway,cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction,and adrenergic signaling in cardiomyocytes.Hypomethylated lncRNAs were mainly involved in 4 pathways:Renal cell carcinoma,tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway,transcriptional misregulation in cancer,and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction.Additionally,MeRIP-PCR confirmed the changes in m^(6)A methylation levels in NR_033339,NR_122111,NR_130744,and NR_026800,consistent with microarray analysis.Real-time PCR also confirmed the significant upregulation of MAPK1 and NF-κB,key genes in the MAPK signaling pathway.Conclusion:This study reveals the m^(6)A modification patterns of lncRNAs in middle ear cholesteatoma,suggests a direction for further research into the role of lncRNA m^(6)A modification in the etiology of cholesteatoma.The findings provide potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of middle ear cholesteatoma.

Ear Cholesteatoma Surgery in South Sahara: Our Experience in Bamako

In Mali, cholesteatoma surgery remains a challenge due to the limited number of otological practitioners, and the low socio-economic level of patients reflecting the difficulties in performing CT or MRI for post-operative follow-up. We therefore initiated this work with the objective of analyzing, through a broad bibliographic review, the clinical, paraclinical, topographical, therapeutic and progressive aspects of a series of ear cholesteatoma. Materials and Method: This was a retrospective and prospective, descriptive study that took place in the ENT and head and neck surgery department of the Gabriel Touré University Hospital over 36 months from November 2020 to October 2023. These were patients admitted to the department for chronic cholestematous otitis media. Result: In total, we collected 34 files of patients admitted for cholesteatoma. This represented 9% of cases compared to all otological surgeries carried out during the same period, i.e. 362 cases. The average age of our patients was 35.31 years, with extremes ranging from 7 years to 80 years, there were 24 men and 10 women, i.e. a M/F ratio of 2.4. The average time to diagnosis was 7 years. The main functional signs were dominated by chronic fetid purulent otorrhea associated with hypoacusis in 94.6% of cases. One case of meningeal complication and three cases of cerebral empyema were reported. Clinically, a postero-superior and marginal tympanic perforation was observed in 53%, a retraction pocket in 5.9%, the sentinel polyp in 9%, and a non-marginal tympanic perforation in 32%. Pure-tone audiometry performed preoperatively for all patients showed conductive hearing loss in 83%. In 82% of cases we created a recess with the creation of a mini box. An ossiculoplasty was performed immediately with fragments of cartilage. The postoperative course found the disappearance of otorrhea (88.23%), the persistence of otorrhea in one case, two cases of facial paralysis, and one case of tinnitus. We did not identify any cases of scar stenosis of meatoplasty. Hearing was improved or preserved in 91.17% of cases and 3 cases of worsening hypoacusis.

Bone Auditory Thresholds Variations in Cholesteatoma Middle Ear Surgery

Objective: To investigate the changes of bone auditory thresholds variations in cholesteatoma middle ear surgery and its related factors and its related factors. Methods: 122 cases (122 ears) of unilateral cholesteatoma otitis media were treated by mastoidectomy and/or tympanoplasty plus stage I tympanoplasty, and tragus cartilage ring-cartilage membrane (Referred to as cartilage group, 62 ears) and temporalis muscle fascia (Referred to as fascia group, 60 ears) were used as tympanic membrane grafts respectively. The changes of bone conduction hearing threshold were compared between the two groups before and 1, 3, 6 months and 1, 3 years after operation. And compare the difference in the incidence of ossicular chain fixation or necrosis, vestibular window or cochlear window dysfunction between the two groups of patients with increased (positive) and decreased (negative) bone conduction threshold before operation. Results: Compared with the healthy side, 95 ears of 122 ears in the two groups had higher bone conduction hearing threshold before operation. Among them, 48 ears were in cartilage group and 47 ears were in fascia group;In 72 ears (76.34%) of these cases, the bone conduction hearing threshold decreased after operation, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P Conclusion: The improvement of bone conduction hearing threshold in patients with cholesteatoma otitis media is mainly related to the fixation or necrosis of ossicular chain and the dysfunction of two windows. The tragus cartilage ring-perichondrium tympanoplasty can not only reduce the air-bone conduction difference, but also reduce the bone conduction hearing threshold, which has the advantage of stable and lasting hearing improvement.

Audit of Outcomes of Endoscopic Cholesteatoma Ear Surgery

Background: The objective of cholesteatoma surgery is not only to eradicate disease, but also reduce the risk of recurrence. While the use of the endoscope has been shown to reduce the rate of residual disease, there is currently insufficient data on recidivism and hearing outcomes following exclusive endoscopic use in cholesteatoma ear surgery. Objectives: Auditing outcomes of exclusive endoscopic surgery (EES) for the surgical management of cholesteatoma, with a secondary aim of comparing recidivism and hearing outcomes of 4 different surgical techniques, namely, EES, microscopic canal wall down (CWD), microscopic canal wall up (CWU) and combined endoscopic-microscopic techniques (CEM). Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted at two tertiary academic hospitals in Cape Town, namely, Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital (RCWMH) for patients below13 years and Groote Schuur Hospital (GSH) for patients above 13 years, over a 5 year period, between January 2012 and December 2016. Results: 128 cholesteatoma surgeries overall;110 patients were from GSH and 18 from RCWMH. Eight RCWMH patients underwent EES, 7 had CWU, 2 had CWD and 1 underwent CEM. Overall recidivism in the RCWMH population was 33% (6/18), 2 underwent EES, 2 underwent a microscopic CWU, 1 had a CWD and 1 underwent CEM. The mean postoperative hearing in this group was 40 dB from 50.3 decibels (dB) preoperatively. In the GSH group, 23 underwent an EES, 42 had a CWU, 40 underwent CWD and 5 underwent CEM. Overall recidivism for the GSH group was 17% (19/110). Of those, 7 underwent EES, 8 underwent microscopic CWU, 1 underwent CWD and 3 underwent CEM. Mean postoperative hearing was 47.4 dB from 48.4 dB preoperatively. Conclusions: The CWD technique demonstrated superior outcomes. In the GSH group, the EES approach had the same recurrence rate as CWU. Much higher recidivism was observed in the RCWMH group. Management of cholesteatoma requires a highly individualized approach to determine the most appropriate surgical treatment paradigm.

Diffusion weighted imaging for the detection and evaluation of cholesteatoma

Cholesteatoma is a collection of keratinous debris and stratified squamous epithelium.It is trapped in the middle ear and can lead to bony erosion.The disease is treated surgically often followed by a second-look procedure to check for residual tissue or recurrence.Cholesteatoma has specific signal-intensity characteristics on magnetic resonance imaging with very high signal intensity on diffusion weighted imaging(DWI).Various DWI techniques exist:Echo-planar imaging(EPI)-based and non-EPI-based techniques as well as new approaches like multi-shot EPI DWI.This article summarizes all techniques,discusses the significance in detecting cholesteatoma and mentions actual studies.Further recommendations for daily clinical practise are provided.

A Novel Surgery Classification for Endoscopic Approaches to Middle Ear Cholesteatoma

This study aimed to develop a novel surgery classification for an endoscopic approach to middle ear cholesteatoma.We retrospectively analyzed the surgical approaches and outcomes of patients with middle ear cholesteatoma.Middle ear cholesteatoma surgeries were divided into four types and two special types as follows:type I,attic retraction pocket,which only requires tympanostomy tube placement or retraction pocket resection and cartilage reconstruction;typeⅡ,cholesteatoma which is limited to the attic or in which endoscopy can confirm complete removal of mastoid cholesteatoma lesions,including type Ⅱa,requiring only use of a curette,and type Ⅱ b,requiring use of an electric drill or chisel;type Ⅲ,cholesteatoma not limited to the attic,in which endoscopy cannot confirm complete removal of mastoid cholesteatoma lesions,requiring the combined use of endoscope and microscope to perform endoscopic tympanoplasty and"Canal Wall Up"mastoidectomy;type Ⅳ,extensive involvement of mastoid cavity cholesteatoma lesions and/or cases with a potential risk of complications,removal of which can only be performed under a microscope for"Canal Wall Down"mastoidectomy.In addition,there were two special types:"difficult external auditory canal"and congenital cholesteatoma in children.In our system,type I and type U middle ear cholesteatoma surgery was completely performed under an endoscope alone.However,estimating the extent of the lesions,determining the choice of mastoid opening and reestablishing ventilation are the key points for an endoscopic approach to middle ear cholesteatoma.The classification of endoscopic middle ear cholesteatoma surgery may benefit the selection of surgical indications.

Application of high resolution computer tomography in external ear canal cholesteatoma diagnosis

Objective: To evaluate High Resolution Computer Tomography(HRCT) in the diagnosis of external ear canal cholesteatoma.Methods: In this retrospective study, HRCTs of 27 patients with external ear canal cholesteatoma were reviewed. The changes in the external ear canal, tympanic membrane(TM), scutum, tympanum and mastoid were measured and categorized.Results: Fourteen patients showed no or mild destruction in the external ear canal(stage Ⅰ group). Eight patients had obvious enlargement in the external ear canal(stage Ⅱ group) but showed limited destructions of the mastoid bone and no damage of the tympanums. Five patients had serious destruction of the mastoid bone and damage of the tympanum(stage Ⅲ group). All patients in the stage Ⅲ group showed a compression of manubriums and TMs, with 3 having damages on ossicular chain. Bone destruction of the vertical section of facial nerve canal was discovered in one case in the stage Ⅲ group.Conclusion: HRCT can provide detail information about the extent of external ear canal cholesteatoma. Such information can be used to identify special situations with serious complications and to differentiate external ear canal cholesteatoma from middle ear cholesteatoma.

Label-free visualization of cholesteatoma in the mastoid and tympanic membrane using CARS microscopy

Objective:The present study aimed to evaluate the possibility of using coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy（CARS） microscopy to determine the specific molecular morphology of cholesteatoma by detecting the natural vibrational contrast of the chemical bonds without any staining.Materials and methods:Specimens from the mastoid and tympanic membrane with and without cholesteatoma were analyzed using CARS microscopy,two-photon excited fluorescence（TPEF） microscopy,and the second harmonic generation（SHG） microscopy.Results:In cholesteatoma tissues from the mastoid,a strong resonant signal at 2845 cm;was observed by CARS,which indicated the detection of the CH;hydro-carbon lipid bonds that do not generate visible signals at 2940 cm;suggestive of CH;bonds in amino acids.A strong resonant signal at 2940 cm;appeared in an area of the same specimen,which also generated abundant signals by TPEF and SHG microscopy at 817 nm,which was suggestive of collagen.In the tympanic membrane specimen with cholesteatoma,a strong resonant signal with corrugated morphology was detected,which indicated the presence of lipids.A strong signal was detected in the tympanic membrane with chronic otitis media using TPEF/SHG at 817 nm,which indicated collagen enrichment.The CARS and TPEF/SHG images were in accordance with the histology results.Conclusion:These results suggest the need to develop a novel CARS microendoscope that can be used in combination with TPEF/SHG to distinguish cholesteatoma from inflammatory tissues.

Retraction pocket excision with cartilage grafting as a preventive surgery for cholesteatoma

Aims: The goal of the present study is to summarize our experience on surgical management of retraction pockets(RP) as a preventive tool against cholesteatomas.Methods:Twenty-five ears have been followed up for a mean period of 6.16 ± 4.35 years(from 1 to 17 years). The sample presented a mean age of 47.56 + 19.11 years(from 16 to 73 years). All patients underwent cartilage graft surgery. Furthermore 10(40%) underwent tympanoplasty(TPL) type Ⅰ, 14(56%) TPL type Ⅱ and 1(4%) TPL type Ⅴ.Results: Eleven ears(44%) showed cholesteatoma: all these cases were stage Ⅲ according to Charachon staging, and stage Ⅳ or Ⅴ according to Gersdorff classification. Twelve patients(48%) showed erosion of the ossicular chain. Of these, five were associated with cholesteatoma and seven only with retraction. The recurrence rate of cholesteatoma was 12%. None of the patients with a stage Ⅱ or Ⅲ RP(according to Gersdorff classification) developed cholesteatoma. The recurrence of RP was 0%.In regards to literature review, seven references were selected. These studies showed a success rate ranging from 79.1% to 88%, while recurrences of RP varied from 6.4% to 13%. Only one study specified a recurrence rate of cholesteatoma of 28%.Conclusions: Surgical treatment of stages Ⅱ and Ⅲ RP is an effective tool to prevent cholesteatoma formation. The presence of keratin accumulation and cholesteatoma at the RP(stages Ⅳ and Ⅴ, according to Gersdorff) are the real predictors of poor prognosis.

Endoscopic Management of Pediatric Cholesteatoma

Pediatric cholesteatoma occurs in one of two forms:congenital cholesteatoma,developing from embryonic epidermal cell rests or acquired cholesteatoma,associated with a focal defect in the tympanic membrane.This disease has been traditionally managed with the operating microscope,often requiring mastoidectomy for adequate visualization of and access to the middle ear and mastoid cavities.Recently,advances in endoscopic equipment have enabled otologists to manage most cases of pediatric cholesteatoma via a minimally-invasive,transcanal endoscopic approach.This review discusses the current literature relating to the etiopathogenesis,assessment and endoscopic management of pediatric cholesteatoma.Early outcomes of endoscopic treatment,emerging trends and technologies are also reviewed.

Congenital cholesteatoma of the middle ear-a report of 10 cases

Objectives To study clinical, imaging features and treatment outcomes of congenital cholesteatoma of middle ear (CCME). Methods This is a retrospective review of 10 CCME cases selected from 952 cholesteatoma cases treated between January 1995 and December 2005 at the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital. The main outcome measures were the site of origin, clinical features, surgical findings, imaging characteristics and hearing results. Results The mean age of the 10 patients was 16 years(ranged from 10 to 24 years), with 6 being older than 18 years. There were 7 males and 3 females. The average delay to diagnosis was longer than 2 years. The mean preoperative PTA was 55 dB HL, with a mean ABG of 45 dB. Typical cholesteatomas were seen behind the tympanic membrane in the superoposterior quadrant on otoscopy only in 2 patients. High resolution CT was completed in all patients. Most of the patients(8/10) were diagnosed with otosclerosis or ossicular abnormality before operation. All patients underwent a one-stage tympanoplasty following transmeatal explorative tympanotomy and complete cholesteatoma removal, except one, who underwent a CWU mastoidectomy due to extensive cholesteatoma involvement. The choleasteatoma lesion was confined to the superoposterior mesotympanum in all patients. The mean postoperative PTA was 20 dB HL. All patients were followed-up for at least 1.5 years postoperatively. Revision procedures were performed in 2 patients for hearing deterioration. No residual or recurrence of cholesteatoma was found. Conclusion CCME is a rare disease that often gets delayed diagnosis. Residual lesions and the prognosis mainly depend on the extent of the lesion.

Postoperative surgical site infection in cholesteatoma surgery with and without mastoid obliteration, what can we learn?

Introduction:This study aims to describe the occurrence of postoperative complications related to cholesteatoma surgery and to determine factors influencing the most common complication,i.e.postoperative surgical site infection(SSI)in cases with and without mastoid obliteration.Materials and methods:Retrospective analyses were performed on surgically treated cholesteatomas in our hospital between 2013 and 2019.Patient characteristics,peri-and postoperative management and complications were reviewed.The cases were divided into two groups based on whether mastoid obliteration was performed or not.Results:A total of 336 cholesteatoma operations were performed,of which 248 cases received mastoid obliteration.In total 21 complications were observed,of which SSI was the most common(15/21).No difference in occurrence of any postoperative complication was seen between the obliteration and noobliteration group(p=0.798),especially not in the number of SSI(p=0.520).Perioperative and/or postoperative prophylactic antibiotics were not associated to the development of an SSI in both groups.In the no-obliteration group a younger age(p=0.015),as well as primary surgery(p=0.022)increased the risk for SSI.In the obliteration group the use of bioactive glass(BAG)S53P4 was identified as independent predictor of SSI(p=0.008,OR 5.940).Discussion:SSI is the most common postoperative complication in cholesteatoma surgery.The causes of SSI are multifactorial,therefore further prospective research is needed to answer which factors can prevent the development of an SSI in cholesteatoma surgery.

Potential otogenic complications caused by cholesteatoma of the contralateral ear in patients with otogenic abscess secondary to middle ear cholesteatoma of one ear:A case report

BACKGROUND Otogenic brain abscess caused by middle ear cholesteatoma is a potentially serious and life-threatening complication in the ear,nose,and throat clinic.The mortality rate associated with otogenic brain abscesses is 8%–26.3%.Recently,in China,the incidence of brain abscess secondary to middle ear cholesteatoma has started to increase due to antibiotic resistance.CASE SUMMARY A 55-year-old male presented hearing loss in the right ear and headache for 1 mo in 2018.Computed tomography(CT) showed an area of low density in the right middle ear and mastoid and auditory ossicle defects and a small amount of soft tissue density in the left middle ear.The parietal wall of the right tympanic cavity and the posterior wall of the mastoid sinus were thin and less continuous.Cranial magnetic resonance imaging revealed an area of low intensity encapsulated by an area of high intensity in the right temporal lobe.We diagnosed him with a brain abscess secondary to middle ear cholesteatoma.He received surgery to drain the abscess followed by a modified radical mastoidectomy.The patient visited our department 3 years later because of intermittent otorrhea in the left ear.CT revealed that the area of the soft tissue density in the left middle ear and mastoid was significantly increased.The posterior wall of the mastoid sinus was destroyed,leaving the left middle ear connecting with the brain.The patient underwent a modified radical mastoidectomy in the left ear CONCLUSION Regular follow-up and timely treatment of contralateral ear disease are vital for the prevention of otogenic complications in patients with otogenic abscesses secondary to middle ear cholesteatoma in the unilateral ear.

Canal Wall down Mastoidectomy and Tympanoplasty in Cholesteatoma Surgery: Ten Years’ Experience

Tympanomastoid surgery for cholesteatoma is a procedure designed to eliminate the disease and maintain a safe and dry ear. This retrospective study was designed to evaluate the functional results of cholesteatoma patients who underwent canal wall down mastoidectomy in conjunction with a tympanoplasty. Operated ears due to chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma were considered for the study. The study was carried out in 120 ears. The choice of technique for tympanoplasty is based on the pathology encountered in the stapes superstructure. Patients were divided into three: 1) Group A, a type II TPL with stapes columella reconstruction;2) Group B, a type III TPL with major columella reconstruction;and 3) Group C, a type IV TPL using a temporalis fascia and thick cartilage to shield the round window. The operated ears of Groups A and B, as compared to Group C, presented a significant decrease in the pre-operative Air-bone gap and an increase in the number of operated ears with an Air-bone gap between 0 - 20 dB. The study emphasizes the importance of functional separation of the two acoustic windows by fascia and cartilage graft when the stapes superstructure is missing but the footplate is mobile.

Role of endoscopy in surgical management of cholesteatoma:A systematic review

Endoscopes are increasingly being used in cholesteatoma surgeries either as an adjunct to microscopes or sometimes exclusively.Their role at present is more as adjunct to microscope which still remains the work-horse for mastoidectomy.However,as endoscopy and endoscopic instruments are increasingly getting refined,role of endoscopy in management of cholesteatoma is continuously being appraised with progressively newer studies.This review aims to assess outcomes of several studies in which endoscopic techniques were used in cholesteatoma surgery and recognize common trends.An extensive review of literature on this theme was performed.Sixteen studies comprising of 1685 patients treated endoscopically either exclusively or in combination with microscope were included.Intra-operatively,in 267(15.82%)cases,residual cholesteatoma was identified by endoscope in hidden areas after completion of surgery with microscope.On follow-up,recidivism was identified in 108 cases(6.4%)in second look procedures.Common sites of recurrence were hidden areas like sinus tympani.This review while acknowledging the value of microscope,highlights the merit of endoscope usage in cholesteatoma surgery and its role in reducing recurrence.

A Retrospective Study on Cholesteatoma Otitis Media Coexisting with Cholesterol Granuloma

To investigate the etiology and pathogenesis of cholesteatoma otitis media accompanied by cholesterol granuloma and the relationship between cholesteatoma and cholesterol granuloma,63 cases of middle ear cholesterol granuloma treated in our hospital during the period from March 1988 to May 2000 were retrospectively reviewed.All cases were surgically and pathologically verified.15 cases of cholesteatoma coexisting with cholesterol granuloma were found among the 63 patients.All 15 cases had a long-term history of otitis media,such as otorrhea(sanguine purulent otorrhea and bloody otorrhea in 8 cases)and perforation of the eardrum(perforation of pars flaccida in 8 cases).Temporal bone CT scans showed cholesteatoma in 11 cases.All patients were treated surgically,and cholesteatoma and cholesterol granuloma were found coexisting alternately,the latter lying mainly in the tympanic antrum,attic and mastoid air cells.Chocolate-colored mucus was accumulated in well-developed mastoid air cells,and glistening dotty cholesterol crystals were also found.In most cases,enlarged aditus,destruction of lateral attic wall,erosion of ossicular chain,exposure of horizontal segment of facial nerve and tegmen of attic were observed.Occlusion of Eustachian tube was noted in 6 cases,and occlusion of tympanic isthmus was revealed in all cases.A post-operative dry ear was achieved in all patients,and hearing improvement was achieved in all 12 cases following tympanoplasty.Cholesteatoma and cholesterol granuloma in middle ear may share a common pathophysiological etiology:occlusion of ventilation and disturbance of drainage.The diagnosis should be considered when patients presented with chronic otitis media with bloody otorrhea.CT and magnetic resonance imaging are useful for the diagnosis before operation.The surgical approach depends on the location,extension and severity of the lesion,The purpose of surgery is to remove the lesion and create an adequate drainage.

Pediatric Middle Ear Congenital Cholesteatoma: A Case Report

Congenital cholesteatoma（CC）is a rarely seen benign tumor of the temporal bone. There are five general sites of extradural occurrence: the middle ear, external auditory meatus, mastoid, squamous portion and the petrous apex of the temporal bone. CC grows slowly and presents no symptoms at the early stage. Delayed and mis-diagnosis are common with this condition. Case report A 10-year-old boy presented with a 3-month history of hearing loss on right side. There was no history of otorrhea, facial palsy, previous otological procedures or trauma. Otoscopy revealed a bulging posterosuperior quadrant in the otherwise intact right tympanic membrane （Fig.1）. Pure tone audiometry showed an average threshold of 51 dB for 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000Hz, with a 40 dB air-bone gap, suggesting a moderate conductive hearing loss（Fig.4）. CT scan of the temporal bone showed an isolated soft tissue density lesion in the middle ear（Fig.2）.

A Rare Middle Ear Cholesteatoma Complication behind Painless Swelling of the Temporozygomatic Region

Complications of middle ear cholesteatoma are well described in the literature and are classified into two major categories: intratemporal and intracranial. They are due either to infection or to local extension of the disease and consequent invasion of surrounding tissues. We describe an unusual case of an extratemporal complication in a young woman who was treated at our service. Ten years previously she had undergone canal-wall-down tympanoplasty that did not achieve complete control of the disease. At this admission, the patient was found to have peculiar extension of the recurrent cholesteatoma into the temporozygomatic area. She underwent tympanoplasty of the canal wall using a targeted surgical technique. We resected the recurrent cholesteatoma en bloc without damaging the facial nerve despite extension of the mass to the ear and face. Follow-up was performed each year for 7 years without evidence of recurrence. Cholesteatomas are highly osteolytic, and extension of any residual cholesteatoma is unpredictable. Cholesteatoma of the middle ear requires a careful surgical approach to avoid complications, maintaining awareness of its possible extension into surrounding structures.

An Extensive Cholesteatoma with Bezold’s Abscess

Cholesteatoma has been known to be associated with multiple complications either extracranially or intracranially. Among the extracranial complications, mastoiditis and mastoid abscess are the most common. Bezold’s abscess formation with cholesteatoma is a rare occurrence but when present can lead to sinister sequalae if not properly managed. The treatment of cholesteatoma is mainly by surgical exploration namely mastoidectomy. The aim of treatment is to eradicate the diseased mastoid and to prevent subsequent complications. Beside surgical intervention, the patient will also require intensive systemic and topical antibiotic therapy. With proper treatment patient will be hindered from experiencing unwanted complications.

Experimental models of cholesteatoma: A review

Cholesteatoma describes the keratinized, stratified squamous epithelium in the middle ear and mastoid, which has osteoclastic activity and is capable of bone resorption. Its origin is unknown and remains a topic of current investigation. In addition, ongoing studies are investigating new molecules for treatment. This review summarizes the various experimental models of cholesteatoma.