Background: Chronic Otitis Media (COM) is a commonly occurring disease worldwide. Timely management is required as this disease is capable of causing serious complications and can lead to long term pain and discharge from the ear. The assessment and management of active squamosal type of chronic otitis media presents many challenging and fascinating problems. Radiologic studies are a valuable aid in the diagnosis and management of ear diseases associated with changes in the osseous structure.

Methods: We conducted a study on 30 patients of 12-58 years of age with complaints of ear discharge and hearing loss. After detailed history, examination and relevant investigation findings were documented. HRCT Temporal bone was done and ear was operated. All pre-operative CT findings was correlated with intraoperative findings.

Results: The CT scan is the standard imaging technique for the temporal bone. Preoperative CT scan is helpful in relation to diagnosis and decision making for surgery in cases of cholesteatoma and ossicular erosion. CT scan accurately predicts the evidence of cholesteatoma. HRCT is precisely helpful in detection of malleus and icus erosion but not helpfull in detection of stapes erosion. It is helpful in detection of extent of disease specially in areas like epitympanum, mesotympanum, mastoid air cells and aditus.

Conclusions: Therefore, it is concluded that CT despite its pitfalls such as more radiation exposure and higher cost delineates the location and extent of cholestaetoma.

Keywords: Chronic otitis media, Cholesteatoma, HRCT temporal bone.

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Dr Vaibhav Kuchhal

Professor and Head of ENT Dept, GMC Haldwani Uttrakhand, India