Observational study of the use of serial Non-EPI DWI MRI scans to
determine the growth of cholesteatoma
Abstract
Introduction: It is an established practice to use non-EPI DWI MRI scans
to detect the presence of cholesteatoma post operatively. In the present
era of Covid-19 where routine surgery to remove cholesteatoma has been
suspended resulting in potentially unprecedented demands on the service,
a review of serial MRI scans performed over a 7 year period was
undertaken to determine the rate of growth of cholesteatoma. Materials
and methods: A retrospective longitudinal study identified 24 middle ear
cholesteatomas in 17 patients with serial non-EPI DWI MRI scans (having
excluded those having surgical intervention between scans) for a median
period of 33 months (range of 6-91 months). Cholesteatomas were measured
by the first author and by the consultant radiologist. Results: Of 24
cholesteatomas, 1 resolved completely, 5 reduced, 6 stayed the same
size, 4 grew slowly and 8 grew significantly. Conclusion: Non-EPI DWI
MRI scans to determine cholesteatoma growth in asymptomatic ears is
useful in triaging patients in the Covid-19 era. Key words:
Cholesteatoma MRI scans covid-19