The radiological findings of the temporal bone in patients with CSOM evaluate the extent and sites of involvement of the middle ear and
mastoid air cell system and study the inter relationships of the tympanomastoid compartment with the adjacent, critical and important neurovascular structures.
The
mastoid air cell system represents a more or less extensive system of interconnecting air filled cavities arising from the walls of the mastoid antrum and walls of the middle ear.
Opponents of mastoidectomy argue that the
mastoid air cell system is thought to function, at least in part, as a buffer to the changes in pressure within the middle ear.
(10.) Holmquist J, Bergstorm B: The
mastoid air cell system in ear surgery, Arch Otolaryngol, 1978, 104: 127-9.
Computed tomography (CT) of the temporal bone showed destruction of the inferior wall of the right EAC by a lesion with a soft-tissue density, but the aeration of the
mastoid air cell and the middle ear space was normal.
INTRODUCTION: The
mastoid air cell system forms an important contribution to the middle ear ventilation and acts as a surgitank of air.
Canaloplasty is sufficient for small lesions that do not involve the
mastoid air cell. Skin grafting is beneficial when there is a large defect.
The development of the
mastoid air cell system begins in utero.
A computed tomography (CT) scan of the head showed thickening of the ear skin; focal tympanal bone osteolysis; partial right
mastoid air cells and middleear cavity opacification; and osteolysis of the occipital, styloid, and mastoid bones consistent with MOE (Appendix Figure, https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/EID/article/25/4/18-0710App1.pdf).
In radical mastoidectomy, the tympanic membrane, the ossicular chain, the posterior wall of the external auditory canal, and the
mastoid air cells were surgically drilled out, leaving an enlarged cavity open to the external canal.
There was right
mastoid air cells opacification and partial opacification of the left sphenoid sinus.
Computed tomography of the temporal bone revealed a right-sided, 2 x 2-cm soft-tissue mass in the EAC, with erosion of
mastoid air cells but a normal eardrum and middle ear cavity.