High-resolution CT features of tuberculous otitis media

YU Jingge; ZHAO Pengfei; WANG Xinyan; YANG Huan; LIU Yuhe; GONG Shusheng; YANG Zhenghan; WANG Zhenchang

doi:10.19300/j.2024.L21364

Abstract：Objective To evaluate the high-resolution CT(HRCT)features of tuberculous otitis media(TOM).Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 22 patients(24 ears)with TOM,confirmed by pathology,including 8 males(36.4%)and 14 females(63.6%).The clinical data and HRCT findings were reviewed,focusing on the degree of pneumatization of the temporal bone,distribution of soft tissue,and bone involvement.Results Among the 24 ears,the pneumatized type was most common(21 ears,87.5%).Soft tissue involvement in the middle ear was most frequently observed as complete filling of the air cells(19 ears,82.6%),tympanic cavity(21 ears,87.5%),and mastoid antrum(23 ears,95.8%).Most cases showed obstruction of the eustachian tube opening(22 ears,91.7%),with protrusion or extension into the external ear canal in 21 ears(87.5%).Thickening(20 ears,86.9%)or blurring(17 ears,73.9%)of the septa between the air cells was commonly seen.Bone destruction was also frequently observed(11 ears,45.8%),including interruption of the air cell septa(7 ears,30.4%),destruction of the cortical bone of the mastoid(2 ears,8.3%),ossicular chain destruction(3 ears,12.5%),destruction of the bony plate(2 ears,8.3%),external auditory canal wall damage(1 ear,4.2%),and sequestrum formation(1 ear,4.2%).Conclusion In TOM patients,the temporal bone typically exhibits good pneumatization.Soft tissue involvement in the middle ear is extensive,frequently affecting the eustachian tube and external auditory canal.Thickening or blurring of the air cell septa is common,and bone destruction may occur in some cases.