Imaging diagnosis of intratemporal complications caused by otits media

Objective To study High-resolution CT (HRCT) and MRI findings of infratemporal complications caused by otitis media. Methods HRCT and MRI findings in 33 cases (35 ears) with intratemporal complications caused by otitis media were retrospectively analyzed. Results Among nineteen ears with labyrinth involved, 8 ears were only with bony labyrinth erosion in which bony labyrinth destruction were manifested in 7 ears by HRCT; 10 ears were with lymph fluid involved in which 7 ears were found bony labyrinth destruction in HRCT, and 5 ears were with hyperintense in T1WI and isointense in T2WI, 4 ears with hypointense in T1WI and T2WI and 8 ears with marked enhancement, 2 ears with mild enhancement in MRI. Bone destruction and bone sequestrum were found in HRCT and mixed intense in T1WI and T2WI in 1 ear with extensive bony labyrinth destruction. Facial nerve involvement was observed in 16 ears, in which 12 ears with facial nerve canal destruction, 4 ears with facial nerve canal enlargement in HRCT and 11 ears with facial nerve enlargement and abnormal enhancement in MRI. Petrositis was proved in 5 ears, 1 ear with subperiosteal abscess and 1 ear with temporomandibular involved. Otherwise, there were 2 ears with extracranial complications and 28 ears with intracranial complications. Conclusion HRCT and MRI can accurately diagnose the types and location of intratemporal complications, which can provide important information in planning effective treatment.