Diagnosis and Treatment of Middle Ear Cholesterol Granuloma Involving the Middle Cranial fossa.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical features, surgical options, and prognosis of middle ear cholesterol granuloma involving the middle cranial fossa.

STUDY

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center.

SUBJECTS AND

METHODS

Medical records of three patients with giant skull base cholesterol granuloma from 2006 to 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The symptoms, signs, radiological features, treatment options, and prognosis were summarized.

RESULTS

All patients underwent radical mastoidectomy and resection of skull base lesions by means of a retroauricular approach. Postoperative pathological diagnosis showed cholesterol granuloma. All patients were followed for more than 1 year. The symptoms were relieved, and there was no recurrence. Postoperative imaging showed that the skull base lesions were cleared and the compressed brain tissue recovered.

CONCLUSION

Patients with middle ear cholesterol granuloma involving the middle cranial fossa can be operated on by retroauricular approach. It can reduce the trauma of craniotomy and obtain good curative effect.