Background: Otosclerosis is a primary dystrophy affecting the otic capsule bone. Computed Tomography (CT) has crucial role in its management.
Aim: To assess the diagnostic value of CT scan by comparing its results to operating data, to define the imaging use in the preoperative anatomic assessment and to assess the prognostic input of CT scan.
Patients and Methods: A retrospective study from January 2012 to December 2019 at the Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) department of Farhat Hached Hospital in Sousse, Tunisia. It included patients explored by CT scan for otosclerosis. We sought to verify CT scan findings during middle ear exploration and concordance or disaccordance between both was recorded.
Results: A total of 50 patients were included and 56 were operated. Mean age of the patients was 38 years (15-64 years). A female predominance was noted with 39 women (78%) and 11 men (22%). Hearing loss was the dominant symptom. The sensitivity of CT scan for the diagnosis was 87.5%. CT scan had a statistically significant value in the diagnosis of a thickening footplate with a sensitivity of 63% and a specificity of 88% (p = 0.001). The extent of otosclerosis represented a poor prognostic factor with a statistically significant value (p=0.030).
Conclusion: CT scan not only confirms the diagnosis of otosclerosis and eliminates differential diagnoses, but also establish a precise anatomical review and assess the prognosis in cases of planned surgery.