The role of imaging in the diagnosis and management of otosclerosis.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the evidence for the role of radiologic imaging in the diagnosis and management of otosclerosis.

DATA SOURCES: A review of contemporary (1990 to present) English medical literature via MedLine using the terms imaging, otosclerosis, otospongiosis, stapes surgery, computed tomography, magnetic resonance, CT, and MRI was performed.

STUDY SELECTION: Abstracts were reviewed independently by 2 authors and relevant articles were then evaluated. Exclusion criteria included editorials, non-English language, comments, and letters.

DATA EXTRACTION: Level of evidence was assigned in accordance with the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine guidance (Levels I-V).

RESULTS

Thirty-seven articles met the inclusion criteria, of which, 11 were of Level III, 22 of Level IV, and 4 of level V evidence. High-resolution computed tomography (CT) of the temporal bones is the imaging technique of choice in the diagnosis of otosclerosis with newer multidetector scanners demonstrating a sensitivity and specificity in excess of 90%. There is Level III evidence that CT densitometry and extent of disease on CT correlates with hearing thresholds. Extensive and multifocal disease on CT has a poorer prognosis (Level III/IV). The potential use of CT in staging classifications, surgical planning, predicting surgical outcomes and risk of complications has also been described and evaluated.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review indicates that imaging has a useful role in both the diagnosis and management of otosclerosis, supported principally by Level III/IV evidence.