HRCT findings of ossicles in patients with CSOM

Abstract

A slender anterior ligament arises from the anterior process to insert into the petrotympanic fissure. The handle runs downwards, medially and slightly backwards between the mucosal and fibrous layers of the tympanic membrane. While it is very closely attached to the membrane at its lower end, there is a fine web of mucosa separating the membrane from the handle in the upper portion before it becomes adherent again at the lateral process. Intra operative findings of middle ear cleft in such patients was noted and compared with the pre-operative HRCT TEMPORAL BONE scan findings. Ossicular chain erosions of malleus, incus and stapes were identified with 88%, 81.7% and 69.2% sensitivity respectively.