Clinical Features of Cholesterol Granuloma in Temporal Bone

Abstract

Cholesterol granuloma is not a clinically or pathologically independent entity. It may develop in any portion of the pneumatic system of the temporal bone and can be associated with a variety of middle ear disorders. Three factors are considered to play an important role in its development；1) interference with drainage 2) hemorrhage and 3) obstruction of ventilation. We reviewed 20 cases of cholesterol granuloma in the temporal bone by analysing findings of myringoscopy, temporal bone CT and/or MRI and operation, and concluded that cholesterol granuloma appeared clinically in three forms；1) in association with chronic otitis media, especially cholesteatoma 2) idiopathic blue eardrum 3) localized lesion in the middle ear, mastoid antrum, external auditory canal and petrous apex.