Does the technique of fusing MRI images with high-resolution CT images improve the efficiency of detecting recurrent cholesteatoma in children, in particular for small cholesteatomas?
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February 2011Background: Radiographic documentation of small recurrent cholesteatoma following pediatric middle ear/mastoid surgery or primary diagnosis of a small congenital cholesteatoma could provide benefit in the management decisions for these entities. Diffusion-weighted MRI techniques do not require IV gadolinium and have good ability to detect cholesteatoma as small as 3-5 mm, but with poor anatomic resolution. High-resolution CT scanning provides good anatomic localization, but the distinction between cholesteatoma and non-cholesteatoma soft tissue is often difficult. Fusing diffusion-weighted MRI scans with high-resolution CT may combine the benefits of both techniques, with fewer drawbacks.
Study design: Retrospective cohort study.