Pediatric cholesteatoma associated with congenital aural atresia and stenosis.

OBJECTIVE

Investigate presenting features, associated surgical treatment, and outcomes in patients with cholesteatoma associated with congenital aural atresia (CAA) or stenosis (CAS).

METHODS

Colorado Multiple Institution Review Board approval was obtained. A retrospective chart review was performed at a single tertiary care children's hospital of all pediatric patients with congenital aural atresia or stenosis with associated cholesteatoma from January 1, 2003, to October 15, 2018.

RESULTS

Of the 278 patients identified with CAA or CAS, twelve (4.3 %) were found to have a canal cholesteatoma. There was a male predominance (8:4). Nine patients (75 %) had conductive loss and three (25 %) had mixed loss. Four patients (33.3 %) exhibited canal cholesteatomas extending into the middle ear or mastoid cavity. All patients underwent surgery, and 25 % of patients required revision canalplasty while 58 % of patients required revision surgery for cholesteatoma recidivism. The average age at the time of surgery was 11.3 ± 3.7 years.

CONCLUSION

Fewer than 5 % of pediatric patients with congenital aural atresia or stenosis were diagnosed with an acquired canal cholesteatoma. The need for revision surgery was common, occurring in >50 % of cases. Screening patients with CAA/CAS for cholesteatoma with imaging is recommended to avoid the morbidity of delayed identification.