Diagnostic Accuracy of Plain Computed Tomography Temporal Bone in Detection of Pre-operative Ossicular Status versus Per-operative Findings in Chronic Otitis Media

Ossicular destruction is a common phenomenon in chronic otitis media due to an imbalance between osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Computed tomography helps us in the assessment of ossicular status, extent of pneumatization, and early identification of complications. This study aims to check the diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography temporal bone for the detection of ossicular erosion in comparison with the surgical findings taken as a gold standard. The use of this investigation as an adjunct can prove to be helpful in planning mastoid exploration as well as a primary reconstruction surgery especially in mucosal and early squamosal diseases. It’s a cross-sectional validation study done on 50 patients with chronic otitis media (both mucosal and squamous type) from July 2022 to November 2023. Patients underwent CT scanning of temporal bone and ossicular status was reported by the radiologist. Later on, mastoid surgery was carried out and per operative findings were documented. 2 × 2 tables were formed and diagnostic accuracy of CT temporal bone was checked in terms of sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value. The results revealed that CT temporal bone has a high diagnostic accuracy with a sensitivity of 92.5% and specificity of 100% for malleus (p value < 0.001). For incus and stapes, sensitivity came out to be 93.5% and 76% respectively and specificity values were 94.7% and 100% (p value < 0.001 for all) giving a verdict that the pre-operative use of this radiological investigation should be encouraged by otologists.