What Researchers Did
Researchers retrospectively evaluated computed tomographic scans of 20 patients to describe the imaging findings associated with clinically proven temporal bone osteoradionecrosis.
What They Found
Common CT findings included external auditory canal erosions and mastoid effusion, each observed in 18 of 20 patients. Clinically moderate or severe cases of temporal bone osteoradionecrosis were significantly more likely to demonstrate enhancing soft tissue (P = 0.002) and soft tissue gas (P = 0.002).
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Patients experiencing symptoms like ear discharge or hearing loss after radiation therapy to the head and neck should be evaluated for temporal bone osteoradionecrosis. Early recognition of specific CT findings, such as enhancing soft tissue or soft tissue gas, may indicate more severe disease requiring prompt intervention.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection as none of the authors or institutions are identified as Canadian.
Study Limitations
A limitation of this study is its retrospective design and small sample size of 20 patients.