Optimal Duration of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Follow-up to Safely Identify Middle Ear Residual Cholesteatoma
Optimal Duration of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Follow-up to Safely Identify Middle Ear Residual Cholesteatoma
Previous studies demonstrated the high diagnostic value of non-echoplanar diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging (non-EP DWI) for residual cholesteatoma. However, limited data are available regarding a suitable length of imaging follow-up. The present study aimed to determine the optimal duration of non-EP DWI follow-up for residual cholesteatoma
A retrospective, monocentric study was performed between 2013 and 2019 and included all patients regularly followed-up after canal wall-up tympanoplasty with at least two non-EP DWI performed on the same 1.5T MRI scanner. MR images were reviewed independently by two radiologists. Sensitivity and specificity values were calculated as a function of time after the surgery. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were analyzed to determine the optimal follow-up duration.
Inclusion criteria:
- patients regularly followed-up for middle ear cholesteatoma, who underwent two or more non-EP DWI performed on the same 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner
Exclusion criteria:
- congenital cholesteatomas, tympanoplasty with canal wall-down technique, or suspicion of residual cholesteatoma on the first MRI follow-up