Correlation of Preoperative High-resolution Computed Tomography Temporal Bone Findings with Intra-operative Findings in Various Ear Pathologies

High resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is a tool which provide fine details of temporal bone and its associated pathologies which are of extreme use in making diagnosis, to evaluate extension of disease and most important to plan surgical approach. Aim of the present study was to correlate HRCT findings with operative findings in different ear pathologies. This observational, prospective study enrolled 70 patients of different ear pathologies required surgical intervention. They were subjected to HRCT temporal bone and its findings were correlated with surgical findings. Mean age of the study population was 20.3 +/- 12.04 years with M: F = 1.12: 1. HRCT showed specificity and sensitivity of 100% and 92.31% respectively in detecting ossicular erosion. It was 100% sensitive and 98.51% specific in detecting LSCC erosion, 85.71% sensitive and 96.83% specific in detecting facial canal dehiscence, 100% sensitive and 98.11% specific in detecting scutum erosion, 75% sensitive and 96.97% specific to detect tegmen erosion, 100% sensitive and 97.01% specific in detecting sinus plate erosion, 100% sensitive and 95.38% specific in detecting high jugular bulb, sensitivity and specificity both are 100% in detecting labyrinthitis ossificans and 100% sensitive in detecting otosclerotic foci. HRCT findings showed a good association with operative findings in terms of sensitivity and specificity. Thus, HRCT is a acceptable tool to make diagnosis and to plan surgical approach.