Utility of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of cholesteatoma and the influence of the learning curve

Abstract

The diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging is a very useful technique during the diagnostic process of doubtful cases of cholesteatoma, especially in cases of follow-up. As for the influence of the learning curve, we observed a clear improvement in the specificity of the test.

The diagnostic utility of diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging and high‐resolution computed tomography for cholesteatoma: A meta‐analysis

“…Finally, 14 studies met the inclusion criteria for qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis. 3,5,[8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] The majority of studies were prospective observational studies, while some were retrospective. Tables 1 and 2 The pooled diagnostic parameters for DWI and HRCT are summarized in Table 3.…”

“…After the screening of titles and abstracts, 61 full‐text articles were assessed for eligibility against the inclusion and exclusion criteria, as shown in Figure 1. Finally, 14 studies met the inclusion criteria for qualitative synthesis and meta‐analysis 3,5,8–18 . The majority of studies were prospective observational studies, while some were retrospective.…”

“…Surgeons can make better surgical plans and reduce the occurrence of postoperative residue under HRCT guidance. 16 HRCT can also help distinguish cholesteatoma from the granulation tissue of chronic otitis media based on changes in the tympanic and ossicular chains, Eustachian tube orifice, 27,28 MRI has good resolution density and is sensitive to mucosal hypertrophy and effusion. Moreover, DWI is highly valued for diagnosing middle ear cholesteatoma 29,30 which has a high signal intensity.…”

“…In many hospitals, surgeons advocate preoperative HRCT for all patients with clinically suspected cholesteatoma because it can be used to locate and estimate the lesion extent, especially in complex areas, such as facial recesses and tympanic sinuses. Surgeons can make better surgical plans and reduce the occurrence of postoperative residue under HRCT guidance 16 . HRCT can also help distinguish cholesteatoma from the granulation tissue of chronic otitis media based on changes in the tympanic and ossicular chains, Eustachian tube orifice, 27,28 and an inverted U‐ or C‐shaped enlargement of the Eustachian tube.…”

Magnetic resonance non-echo planar diffusion-weighted imaging accuracy in detecting cholesteatoma in comparison with clinical and surgical findings

“…There was also an increase in confidence of the reporting radiologist over time, which was noted at our institute and while performing this retrospective study. 12…”