Clinical Presentations and Complications among Cholesteatoma Cases

Background: Cholesteatoma is an abnormal collection of keratin-producing squamous epithelium in areas such as the middle ear, epitympanum, mastoid, or petrous apex. This three-dimensional epidermoid structure grows independently, replacing middle ear mucosa, and resorbing and replacing underlying bone. This study aimed to assess the clinical presentations and complications among cholesteatoma cases. Methods: This was a prospective observational study that was conducted in the Department of ENT & Head Neck Surgery, Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College & Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2023. The study enrolled a total of 43 cases with cholesteatoma using a random sampling technique. Data analysis was performed using MS Office tools. Results: The most prevalent symptoms observed were ear discharge in 93.0% of cases and hearing impairment in 74.4%. Notably, 81.4% of cases showed involvement of the pars flaccida. The most common complications were postauricular abscesses (14%) and postauricular sinuses (11.6%). Among the patients, 18 underwent CT scan evaluations, with findings including circumscribed cavities with ossicular erosion in 16 cases and space-occupying lesions in the brain in 2 cases. Conclusion: In cholesteatoma cases, ear discharge and hearing impairment are prevalent symptoms, while postauricular abscesses and sinuses are common complications. Pars flaccida involvement is frequent, and CT scans may be necessary for accurate diagnosis in many patients.