Computerized axial tomography versus complex motion as a predictor of surgical findings in middle ear and mastoid cholesteatoma.

In order to evaluate the efficacy of polytomography and computerized tomography in the prediction of surgical findings in cases of suspected cholesteatoma of the middle ear and mastoid, we evaluated preoperatively 52 ears by both radiographic methods. We utilized a check list of 14 radiological signs or surgical findings to generate measures of sensitivity and specificity. The strengths of each radiographic method are outlined and the considerable weaknesses in predictive value are discussed.