A Rural Hospital-Based Study on Temporal Bone Pathologies by High Resolution Computed Tomography from Bangalore, Karnataka

Abstract

BACKGROUND The tympanic cavity is susceptible to infection by viruses and bacteria through the Eustachian tube, thereby making ear pathologies and particularly middle ear inflammatory conditions a frequent reason to consult an otorhinolaryngologist. With the advent of High-Resolution Computed Tomography, diagnosis of the middle ear anatomy, pathology and its complications if any, could be made out with better precision by providing a direct visual window by providing minute structural details. The aim of the study was to assess temporal bone pathologies that could be evaluated by HRCT study of the temporal bone in a rural hospital based setup and correlate if possible with surgical/histopathological findings. METHODS The study was a retrospective study done in M.V.J Medical College and Research Hospital, Bangalore amongst 50 patients from February 2020 to January 2021 who underwent HRCT of the temporal bone and relevant statistics were drawn from these cases. After local examination, clinical evaluation and consent, CT scan was performed. Follow-up of patients was done for confirmation with operative and/or histopathological findings whenever possible. All the data obtained were recorded in a tabulated form and analysed on MS Excel. RESULTS Amongst 50 patients, infective aetiology was found to be the most common cause, of which chronic otomastoiditis was the most common, followed by chronic Cholesteatoma, otitis media, chronic mastoiditis, and otitis externa. Amongst the congenital aetiology, we had 1 case each of osteoma, facial nerve involvement, microtia and inner ear dysplasia. Amongst the traumatic cases, longitudinal type of fracture was the most common type, followed by transverse and mixed fractures with hemotympanum being the most common HRCT finding. CONCLUSIONS HRCT of the temporal bone helps in accurate assessment of infective, congenital, traumatic and neoplastic aetiologies and helps the otologist understand the disease's extent and aid in surgery. KEYWORDS High-Resolution Computed Tomography, HRCT, Temporal bone, Radiology