BACKGROUND: Many theories have been suggested regarding the origin, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and incidence of congenital cholesteatoma. REVIEW OF LITERATURE: An overview on the current literature on congenital cholesteatoma of the middle ear is presented. It comprises the possible etiology and pathogenesis of congenital cholesteatoma. Among other theories, germ scattering, metaplasia, ingrowth of meatal epidermis, and reflux of amniotic fluid have been proposed. Special emphasis is put on the epidermoid formation theory, which has been described by Michaels and others. CONCLUSIONS: It is widely accepted that congenital cholesteatomas may originate from the postpartum persistence of epidermoid formations. Nevertheless, a clear transition from epidermoid formation to congenital cholesteatoma has yet to be confirmed.
BACKGROUND: Many theories have been suggested regarding the origin, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and incidence of congenital cholesteatoma. REVIEW OF LITERATURE: An overview on the current literature on congenital cholesteatoma of the middle ear is presented. It comprises the possible etiology and pathogenesis of congenital cholesteatoma. Among other theories, germ scattering, metaplasia, ingrowth of meatal epidermis, and reflux of amniotic fluid have been proposed. Special emphasis is put on the epidermoid formation theory, which has been described by Michaels and others. CONCLUSIONS: It is widely accepted that congenital cholesteatomas may originate from the postpartum persistence of epidermoid formations. Nevertheless, a clear transition from epidermoid formation to congenital cholesteatoma has yet to be confirmed.