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Observational study of the use of serial Non-EPI DWI MRI scans to determine the growth of cholesteatoma
  • Wendy Smith,
  • Leena Naidu
Wendy Smith
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Leena Naidu
Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
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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